Ohio University women’s soccer team will be flipping flapjacks Saturday morning to benefit a local food bank.
The Southeast Ohio Regional Foodbank, which supplies food to pantries, churches and other non-profit organizations, will hold a pancake breakfast Saturday at the Applebee’s on East State Street.
Food banks are always in need of more food, funding and supplies when the weather gets cold, said Tracy Galway, the director of food and nutrition programs for Hocking Athens Perry Community Action, which operates the food bank.
“We are seeing increased needs. Many people being hungry is tied to unemployment rather than poverty,” Galway said. “Fall and winter become a greater need because there are seasonal workers who are out of business.”
In 2011, 18 percent of the population and about 29 percent of children were “food insecure” in the 10 county areas the food bank serves, said Galway, adding that these children weren’t sure where they’d get their next meal.
The food bank, which usually gets money from both state and federal governments, has felt effects of budget cuts and is forced to rely on private donations rather than government funds, Galway added.
Galway said she approached her friend Stacy Strauss, Ohio’s women’s soccer coach, and asked for help with a fundraiser for the food bank. Strauss said she would have her players get involved.
“I think it’s important for student athletes to give back to their communities and reach out to people in the area surrounding campus,” Strauss said, adding that the team will be helping Applebee’s serve, bus tables and wrap silverware on Saturday.
“If we could stay busy the whole time, I think we can do anywhere from $500 to $1,000,” said Galway.
Tickets are $5 and will be sold at the Regional Food Center in Logan, the HAPCAP main office, as well as at the door on the day of the event.
Southeast Ohio Regional Foodbank will receive 100 percent of the ticket revenue, according to a news release.
“We are a part of every community we are in; we do it just to help people out,” said Jeff Roe, a manager at the Applebee’s in Athens. “Obviously in the long run it helps us if they like us, but it’s our way of giving to our community.”
ld311710@ohiou.edu
If You Go:
WHAT: Southeast Ohio Regional Foodbank Pancake Breakfast
WHEN: Nov. 17. 7:30–9:30 a.m.
WHERE: Applebee’s, 547 E. State St.
ADMISSION: $5
