Food pantries need help

Resources are available in Huron County for those in need of food amid the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, pause caused by the federal government shutdown. Huron County Public Health recently shared a list of countywide resources for those seeking help. "We understand there are going to be many individuals and families impacted by the pause in November SNAP benefits, that will cause immense concern and stress," the agency posted online. "To help during this time, we've compiled a list of food pantries, blessing boxes, and local assistance programs in or near Huron County. Also, "please consider donating items to support families in our community," the health department added, stating non-perishable items like canned fruits and vegetables, canned proteins, boxed cereals and granola bars are good choices for donations. "Every item helps." The agency provided this list of food pantries, blessing boxes and other food assistance programs that serve Huron County residents: Food pantries Norwalk • Norwalk Area Food Bank: 99 Whittlesey Ave, Norwalk, OH, 44857. Open Tues/Thurs 10 a.m. to noon and 1-3 p.m. Phone: 419-660-1144 • The Salvation Army of Northeast Ohio: 55 Whittlesey Ave, Norwalk, OH 44857. Mon-Thurs 9 a.m. to noon p.m. Phone: 419-668-4090 • Norwalk Alliance Church: 2755 US 250 Norwalk, OH, 44857. Phone: 419-668-9208 • Weekends Without Hunger: 134 Benedict Ave Norwalk, OH, 44857. Program designed to help provide food for kids at Norwalk Catholic and Norwalk City Schools in grades K-6. Bagged nutritious food is delivered to the students every Friday while school is in session. Contact Huron County Job and Family Services for more information: 419-668-8126 Willard • Willard Area Food Bank: 124 W Maple St, Willard, OH, 44890. Mon/Thurs 1-4 p.m. Phone: 419-933-4146 • Willard Church of God/Blessing Basket Food Pantry: 4551 Willard West Rd, Willard, OH, 44890. First and third Saturdays of each month 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Phone: 419-563-6592 • Second Harvest Willard Park & Recreation Drive-Thru Mobile Pantry: 561 W. Laurel St. Willard, OH, 44890. One time per month — might have to check Second Harvest Website for specific details. Phone: 440-960-2265 Bellevue • Fish and Loaves: 203 Maple St, Bellevue, OH 44811. Wednesdays 1-5 p.m. Phone: 419-484-2814 North Fairfield • Neighbor-to-Neighbor Food Pantry: 505 State Route 162 North Fairfield, OH One time permonth; usually the 21st of every month unless on a Sunday; 9-11 a.m. and 5-6 p.m. Monroeville • United Church of Christ: 29 Chapel Street Monroeville, OH, 44847. Third Wednesday of every month 9 a.m. to noon. Non-food bank/ pantry. Phone: 419-465-2165. New London • Fitchville Community Church: 1593 US 250 S New London, OH, 44851. Phone: 419-929-8916 • Salvation Army: 12 Akron Street New London, OH, 44851. Phone: 419-929-3320 Blessing boxes Norwalk • Collins United Methodist Church, 4290 Hartland Center Road • Gaymont Nursing Home, 66 Norwood Ave., Norwalk • IVY, 21 North Hester St. (corner of Hester and Monroe), Norwalk • Norwalk Eagles Club, 151 Cline St., Norwalk • St. Mary's by the rectory off Baker Street, Norwalk • St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran, 243 Benedict Ave., Norwalk (use Executive Drive entrance) • Victory Baptist Church, 132 Gallup Ave., Norwalk • Norwalk Catholic, 31 Milan Ave., Norwalk. • Norwalk Elks Lodge 2949 US-250, Norwalk, OH 44857 • Olena Blessing Box, 540 U.S. 250 South, Olena Willard • Willard Church of the Nazarene, 4414 W. Townline Road 12, Willard • Mercy Hospital, Willard- located outside the emergency room entrance, 1100 Neal Zick Rd., Willard, OH 44890 Bellevue • St. Paul's Church- 285 West Main Street, Bellevue, OH 44811 • Bellevue Assembly Church- 770 Kilbourne Street, Bellevue, OH 44811 Monroeville • TLC Blessing Box 102 West Broad Street, Monroeville, OH 44847 • Monroeville Congregational UCC Blessing Box: east entry side. • Trinity Lutheran Church 212 West Broad Street, Monroeville, OH 44847 • Monroeville Public Library 34 Monroe Street, Monroeville, OH 44847 New London • Second Christian Church 41 North Maple Street, New London, OH 44851 Milan • St. Anthony's Church 145 S Center Street, Milan, OH 44846 Food assistance programs • FreshTrak Online Meal Site Locator: freshtrak.com. Go to the website enter your zip code, and locate food banks near your area. • Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio, 5510 Baumhart Rd., Lorain, OH 44053. Mobile Food Pantry dates and locations can eb found at secondharvestfoodbank.treepl.co/programs/mobile-food-pantry. • OHGo Mobile Food Pantry, 2304 E. Perkins Ave., Sandusky, OH 44870. Sets up twice per month (every 1st and 3rd Thursday) for income-eligible families. Information regarding dates, times, and contact information can be found at ohgoreach.org/mobile-food-pantry. Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct the Norwalk Salvation Army's hours.