The Southeast Ohio Foodbank (SE Ohio Foodbank) plays a crucial role in addressing food insecurity by utilizing Mobile Markets to distribute food to residents in need across its ten-county service area, which includes Athens, Gallia, Hocking, Jackson, Lawrence, Meigs, Morgan, Perry, Vinton and Washington counties. In 2024, the SE Ohio Foodbank supplied more than 4.7 million pounds of groceries to its network of more than 60 food pantries. Organizers report that the majority of neighbors receiving food assistance rely on their local food pantry for support. According to the director of the SE Ohio Foodbank, one in six individuals in Southeast Ohio faces hunger.
Recently, a group of AEP Ohio volunteers distributed food boxes to seniors in Hocking County through the SE Ohio Foodbank’s mobile event program, demonstrating AEP Ohio’s ongoing dedication to the SE Ohio Foodbank’s distribution programs.
“We are proud to support the SE Ohio Foodbank, which makes a tremendous positive impact across multiple counties in Southeastern Ohio,” said AEP Ohio Customer and External Affairs Manager Melissa Clark. “We regularly volunteer for food box distribution events, and one of my favorite activities is participating in the distribution days for seniors. We truly enjoy helping those in our communities.”
The SE Ohio Foodbank’s mobile events deliver fresh, healthy and shelf-stable food directly to communities, often in areas with limited access to food pantries and resources. “What we do is we look for folks who are 200% or below the federal poverty line,” said Alisha Miklos, director of the SE Ohio Foodbank. “We do not ask for any type of proof of income. People self-attest if they qualify for the distribution. We’re not asking them to provide any documentation when they show up.”
Clark said the distribution line at the Hocking County event was sobering.
“The distribution line at the Hocking County event was one of the largest food distribution events I have participated in,” said Clark. “It’s truly humbling to witness the extensive food insecurity affecting our communities. I am proud to work for a company that encourages its employees to give back through volunteer events and corporate giving.”
