Readers at Ada Elementary School made a really big check presentation to the Ada Food Pantry on May 3. Not only did the check reach from the readers’ knees to their chins, it also gifted a whopping $2,893.00 to the local nonprofit organization.

The funds were raised as part of the school’s annual spring read-a-thon, in which students focus on reading and take quizzes on the books they read. Each classroom, K-5, has a goal for how many books they want to read. The program is timed to help students prepare for state testing.

The program was coordinated by Intervention Specialist Gwen Jochims, who noted that every class reached their goal and was rewarded with the opportunity to throw a pie at elementary principal Jeremy Clark.

The check was accepted by Chris Bowers, chair of the Ada Food Pantry, who noted that usage is “way up” in the last six months at the twice-weekly food assistance program.

Bowers also noted that the pantry has created a backpack program that delivers food to students for the weekend. This costs about $1,000 per month, so the donation will effectively help provide that service for three months. Bowers estimates that 50 bags per week are distributed at the school.

The Food Pantry at 201 S. Main St (First Presbyterian Church) provides assistance to income eligible individuals who live in Ada or Liberty Township, or who have an Ada postal address. Canned goods and other shelf stable items are available, as well as bread, eggs, milk, cheese and frozen meats. Amounts provided are based on the size of the household. 

The Ada Food Pantry is open Tuesdays from 4:00-6:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m.-Noon. For more information about services or to make a donation, call 419-634-5661 or email [email protected].