The 2nd annual "Walk for Food' sponsored by The Southwest Portage County Ministerial Society was held recently in Randolph. 65 walkers from St. Joseph Church, Randolph; First Congregational Church of Rootstown; Randolph United Methodist Church; Community Bible Church, Rootstown; and Rootstown United Methodist Church joined in support of local hunger relief efforts to financially benefit the Center of Hope/Christian Cupboard in Ravenna and the Atwater-Randolph-Suffield Food Shelf located at St. Joseph Church in Randolph.

The walk began at St. Joseph, where participants walked 3.2 miles in the surrounding area. Prior to the walk, participants gathered pledges and contributions, which totaled $3,963. "The money is donated by people in the community and stays locally. 100% of the proceeds minus a few minor bills, is given right back to the community," states Tim Smith, Chairperson. "Considering that many people are out of work or do not have extra finances, we are thrilled with the amount pledged this year" stated Fr. Ed Wieczorek, Pastor, St. Joseph Parish, Randolph.

The Center of Hope/Christian Cupboard provides nutritious hot meals and food pantry assistance. The center is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and serves hot meals from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. The food pantry is open Monday through Friday by appointment. The Christian Cupboard helps families in all areas of Portage County to meet their basic needs for food and personal care items. The center also provides holiday programs for families through distribution of Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets. Opened in November of 1989 by founder Sister Jordan Hadad, its mission is to serve hot meals and provide an emergency food pantry. The Center of Hope/Christian Cupboard is a United Way-funded program through Portage County Family and Community Services. Due to the economic downturn, the center continues to see an influx of families in need and is accepting both monetary donations and non-perishable food items. "The hot meal program and the Christian Cupboard are supported by a significant number of community volunteers who are dedicated in their efforts to help persons in need." states Daryle Fullum, volunteer. The average number of meals served daily is approximately 125-150. The Center of Hope/Christian Cupboard is located at 1034 W. Main St. in Ravenna.

The Atwater-Randolph-Suffield Food Shelf, located at St. Joseph Parish, 2643 Waterloo Rd., Mogadore, serves the residents of southwest Portage County and is one of seven food shelves in three townships. Just like the Center of Hope/Christian Cupboard, the Atwater-Randolph-Suffield Food Shelf is funded by United Way and assisted through its First Call for Help program. The food shelf is open 5 days per week on Mondays and Thursdays, from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. and on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 2:45 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. by appointment. The food shelf is staffed by 35-45 volunteers and no funding is used for administrative costs; most overhead is donated by area businesses. The food shelf currently has approximately 25 township-area families that are served per week. Those in need of service from the Atwater-Randolph-Suffield Food Shelf or any food pantry in Portage County may call First Call for Help at 2-1-1 for confidential assistance by trained counselors through United Way. They will then be directed to a food pantry based on their geographic location in Portage County.

Anyone interested in making a 501(c)(3) tax-deductible donation to either organization may call Food Shelf directors Gary Harrison at 330-325-7466 or Gary Magno at 330-325-4099 or the Center of Hope/Christian Cupboard at 330-297-5454.