Food insecurity is one of the most prominent problems facing Scioto County today. When also considering the overall impact of COVID-19, the problem becomes much more serious. Socioeconomic uncertainties, especially food instability, constitute significant danger to the general health and well-being of many local residents, especially children. According to the Ohio Hunger Alliance, as many as 1 in 4 children may face nutritional insecurity to a certain extent. Statistics also indicate that as many as 1 in 6 adults in Ohio may be at risk of facing food insecurity as well. The issue in Ohio is widespread and has the potential to impact each of us uniquely.   

While Scioto County may be one of the most impacted counties in the state by drug usage, a poor economic outlook, and food insecurity, there are many helpful resources available in the community to help diminish the nature and extent of the problem.

Below is a list of food pantries as well as opportunities to secure meals that are available to residents of Scioto County amid the pandemic: 

– Apostolic Gospel Church, located at 2037 Jackson St., Portsmouth, Ohio, serves free dinners to the community on the last Saturday of each month, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.  

– Christ United Methodist Church, located at 5731 Gallia St., Portsmouth, Ohio, offers a free, vehicle-based food pantry on the third Saturday of each month, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. 

– Cornerstone United Methodist Church, located at 808 Offnere St., Portsmouth, Ohio, serves free meals to the community every other Wednesday (based upon the Facebook page) from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  

– Rarden Daily Bread, located at 1693 Main St., Rarden, Ohio, serves free dinner meals each day of the week from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. 

– The Bear Necessities Food Pantry of Shawnee State University, located in the Morris University Center, offers food and other valuable resources to students (based upon pre-order online or in-person).  

– Second Presbyterian Church, located at 801 Waller St., Portsmouth, Ohio, offers a food pantry on each Wednesday of the month, except for the first, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  A form of identification, proof of residence (Scioto County), and social security numbers for those household are all required. 

– First Presbyterian Church, located at 221 Court St., Portsmouth, Ohio, offers a food pantry opportunity each Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 

– The Potter’s House Ministries, located at 5409 Winchester Ave. Suite A, Portsmouth, Ohio, offers a food pantry each Tuesday, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., on Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and on the fourth Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  

More information about the previously mentioned resources can be found on their respective Facebook pages and websites.

There are many more valuable opportunities available in Scioto County to help combat food insecurity. These resources provided in the listed locations, while plentiful and beneficial, are just a few of the many opportunities available in the local area. They are undoubtedly appreciated and help many individuals in the community. Food insecurity does not discriminate. Individuals from all walks of life are susceptible to a lack of food stability. Every person in Scioto County should strive to take a stand in the fight against hunger together as a community, as part of an effort to make a difference in the lives of others one day at a time.