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West Ohio Food Bank receives $3,740 donation from Woodforest Charitable Foundation.

10-October, 2012

West Ohio Food Bank receives $3,740 donation from Woodforest Charitable Foundation.

Photo Caption:Charles Pollitt, Regional Manager, Woodforest National Bank; Jeff Bodkin, Regional Manager, Woodforest National Bank; Brian Van Meter, Warehouse Operations Manager, West Ohio Food Bank; Ann Healy, Regional Manager, Woodforest National Bank; Mike White, Senior Vice President, Woodforest National Bank; with area Woodforest National Bank Branch Managers.

LIMA, OH – Woodforest Charitable Foundation recently donated $3,740 to West Ohio Food Bank. 

For over 20 years, West Ohio Food Bank has been dedicated to ending hunger.  The Food Bank distributes food and grocery products to more than 170 soup kitchens, shelters, and food pantries in 11 West Central Ohio counties.  Through combined efforts, the Food Bank and their partner agencies provide food for an estimated 57,900 different people annually.

The Food Bank’s mission is to create a hunger free West Central Ohio by soliciting and providing food and grocery products to approved distribution agencies; increasing public awareness of domestic hunger and advocating for public policies that eliminate this problem. They purchase food and collect donated items, which is stored in a 35,000 square foot facility and then distributed to the community.

Statistics show that low nutrition prevents students from being able to fully concentrate on subjects being learned. Having the proper nutrition while growing up, learning could be less of a chore. If children could have one of their basic needs taken care of, they will feel healthier and be able to focus on the tasks in front of them enabling them to grow into more productive adults.

To help with this growing need, West Ohio Food Bank offers a Back Pack Program to reduce child hunger, educate students on proper nutrition and promote healthy lifestyles. Bags of nutritious food are packed at the food bank, picked up by school staff and then distributed to the students on Fridays before they are dismissed from school. Designed to provide extra support during weekends for children who typically receive free or reduced priced breakfasts and lunches at school, this program is currently offered at Elida Meals ‘til’ Monday, Kenton Schools, Findlay School, and Celina School. The Food Bank is currently seeking additional locations in outer-lying counties to sponsor more backpack programs.

“There is no better investment in our world than to ensure freedom from hunger, especially in our own neighborhoods. Thank you from the Food Bank staff, our Board of Trustees, and all those who benefit from you generosity,” said Gary Bright, CEO of West Ohio Food Bank.

For more information on Woodforest Charitable Foundation’s contributions to this organization, please contact this agency directly at (419) 222-7946 or visit www.westohiofoodbank.org.

The Woodforest Charitable Foundation was created by Woodforest National Bank in 2005 as a direct result of its desire to support and invest in the communities in which it serves.  The Foundation is creating a legacy of commitment to those in need, enriching lives and communities through dedicated leadership and faithful administration by providing funding to qualifying 501(c) (3) charities. For additional information regarding The Woodforest Charitable Foundation, call (832) 375-CARE (2273) or visit the foundation’s website at www.woodforestcharitablefoundation.org .

Celebrating 32 years of service and ranked among the top earning banks in the United States, the Woodforest family of banks currently has assets of approximately $3.7 billion and services more than 1 million customers with branches in excess of 780 throughout 17 states:  Texas, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia.  For information about Woodforest National Bank, please call 832-375-2000 or visit the bank’s website at www.woodforest.com.