Donations supporting Feed Ohio arrive at SEM’s Food pantry September 17th
Members of the Cherry Grove congregation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) joined the Feed Ohio statewide volunteer humanitarian effort to provide food assistance to individuals and families in the state of Ohio. Supported by Governor John R. Kasich, Ohio First Lady Karen W. Kasich and many faith and community groups, Feed Ohio is now in its fourth year. Feed Ohio is a 100% volunteer effort timed in conjunction with the National Day of Service on September 11th.

During the week of September 11th, members of the LDS Cherry Grove congregation collected 4,640 pounds of non-perishable food items for donation to the Southeastern Ecumenical Ministry (SEM) Food Pantry located at 6446 Beechmont Ave, in Cincinnati. One hundred and twenty-six members of the congregation located at corner of Clough Pike and Ivy Pointe Blvd. joined with twenty-nine friends and neighbors in the volunteer effort. Over 270 service hours were provided in the collection and delivery process.

Heartfelt thanks are extended to all friends and neighbors who made donations. Volunteers of all ages joined together to deliver in trucks and vans their collection on Saturday, September 17th. After several hours of unloading and stocking everyone celebrated the opportunity of providing food and other necessities for individuals and families that need our help.

The SEM Food Pantry is an all-volunteer organization. The Director, Charlie Gentry and Associates Jim and Judy Dockendorff, were on hand to assist in the unloading and stocking. They welcomed the largest single donation yet received from a community or church group.

The SEM Pantry operates as a “choice pantry,” meaning that clients “shop” for the food they like and can use, so everything with which they leave will be consumed. They are open on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Tuesday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Call for an appointment, so there will be minimal waiting to be served.