Donors help food pantry supply supplemental food on weekends

By Paula Pyzik Scott

The Bulldog Blessings Backpack Program, which provides food for students who might not have access to sufficient nutritious food at home, is back for Fall 2024 at Ada Elementary School. Coordinator Beth Gray explains that this summer the Ada Food Pantry “made an appeal and it really worked. The community came through–we appreciate it!”

After emailing and posting on Facebook, the nonprofit received pledges of support from local churches, individuals and the following businesses and groups:

• 5-C Roofing 
• Ada Lions Club
• Century 21 Sunway Realty
• Grimslid and Hood Attorneys at Law 
• Hanson-Neely-Allison Funeral & Cremation Services
• John & Toni's Restaurant and Lounge 
• Viva Maria’s 

Earlier, the program also received a grant from the Hardin County Community Foundation.

The Bulldog Blessings program started in 2019. It provides weekend food for children in grades K-5 grades. For example, the students might receive breakfast bars, fruit cups, crackers, canned pasta, tuna packets or squeeze yogurt. Gray says the packages don’t provide “a huge amount, but it adds to their weekend fare.” School staffers put the packages in student backpacks when the class is out of the room. 

Some 60 children are currently signed up to receive Bulldog Blessings each week. Those who are enrolled in the free school lunch program are eligible.

Checks made out to “Ada Food Pantry” with “Backpack” in the memo line can be dropped off at the Pantry or mailed to the Ada Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 237, Ada OH 45810. Donations may also be made through PayPal:  https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/2309856 

For additional information about how to contribute, email [email protected]

ADA FOOD PANTRY

Serving Ada Residents - Bring proof of residency
201 S. Main St.
419-634-5661

Tuesday
4:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Saturday
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.