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Salem churches join to feed the hungry
An estimated 3,000 people will be helped by the program each month.
SALEM — Local churches are expanding their effort to feed those in need.
They have formed the Salem Community Pantry Inc. to meet what they say are the growing needs in the community.
The pantry will be part of the Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley.
Pat Mosley, vice president of the pantry, said that there are 10 churches that are members of the new pantry: Believers Christian Fellowship, Emmanuel Lutheran, First Baptist, First Christian, First Friends, First Presbyterian, First United Methodist and St. Paul Catholic churches.
The other members are the Salvation Army and the Salem Area For Children Organization, which will track eligibility.
There will be an official grand opening from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the new pantry location at 794 E. Third St.
The pantry will begin distributing food Monday to people in ZIP code 44460.
For many years, the various churches had food distribution on different days. Some of the churches even had their own full-sized shopping carts that are now at the new site. But consolidation of the pantries never occurred, Mosley said.
Tom Biviano, the agency relations and programs manager for Mahoning County food bank, said the consolidation, “helps to serve the community better.”
Those involved in the project estimate it will help about 1,000 families, or about 3,000 people, a month.
Biviano used to work for Giant Eagle until his job was cut. He later joined Second Harvest.
The 44460 ZIP code encompasses Salem but also ranges from Washingtonville to the east, Alliance to the west, Lisbon to the south and Greenford to the north.
The new pantry has 4,000 square feet.
Local businesses also donated paint, shelves and tile. The new facility has a cold storage area for meat.
People seeking help will have to sign in to say they need it. A person can get a three-day supply of food each week.
Mayor Jerry Wolford is to speak at the opening.
wilkinson@vindy.com