BELLVILLE, Ohio — The Bellville Neighborhood Outreach Center food pantry was recently awarded $76,160 through its participation in the Meijer Holiday Simply Give campaign.
“The Meijer Simply Give program supports food pantries in each of the communities that Meijer serves, and with the support of generous customers, has generated nearly $15.5 million since the program began in November 2008,” according to a news release.
Carol Hoeflich with the BNOC said the funds will be used to purchase more food for the BNOC’s food pantry and to purchase items that are not available through the Cleveland Food Bank.
As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the BNOC offers food for those in need through its food pantry, new and gently-used clothing to the public through its clothesline, and a space where people can hold events and activities through its activity center.
Located at 84 Main St., the BNOC serves residents of Clear Fork Valley, though, as Hoeflich noted, “If somebody comes from out of the area, we do serve them. We serve them once and then refer them to other (organizations) close to where they live.”
Hoeflich said when they first opened their doors in September of 2010, the food pantry started by serving approximately 60-70 clients a month.
“Now, we’re up to close to 200 a month,” she said.
The pantry is “free choice,” Hoeflich said, meaning clients are able to select their own groceries. The pantry offers a variety of fresh, frozen and packaged food items, as well as personal hygiene products.
“Our pantry is probably one of the best-stocked pantries in this area,” said Kevin Dearth, a BNOC trustee.
A majority of the food is purchased from the Cleveland Food Bank at a significantly discounted cost. The BNOC also receives many donations from area churches, civic organizations, businesses and private donors.
Dearth said the holiday campaign came at the perfect time.
“The selection that we used to get hasn’t been available as much at Cleveland Food Bank, so the Meijer program came at the perfect time,” he said.
The Holiday Simply Give campaign ran from Nov. 1, 2015 to Jan. 2, 2016. During that time, Meijer customers could purchase one or more Simply Give donation cards for a local food pantry, and whatever amount they spent, Meijer matched it.
Hoeflich said the BNOC has participated in five Simply Give campaigns over the years.
“The first one we did we got $10,000 and we thought that was wonderful,” she said. “The second one we got $18,000, and then the next one we got $21,630, and then last year we got $23,040.”
The BNOC will receive the money that was raised from the campaign in the form of Meijer gift cards. Hoeflich said the BNOC has two years to spend the money, which can be used to purchase food, diapers, baby formula and/or wipes, she said.
Hoeflich and Dearth voiced their appreciation for all those who donated, including AMVETS Post 43 and Kokosing Construction Company.
“It really was such a blessing,” Dearth said.
They’re also thankful for the continued support the BNOC receives from local businesses. Stoodt’s Market is among those that supports the BNOC through its round-up program.
“We just got our first check from them and it was $700 for one month.” Dearth said.
The BNOC is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Hoeflich said they’re in need of volunteers. Those who may be interested in volunteering are encouraged to call 419-886-8395.
To learn more about this organization, visit its website or Facebook page.
