Thanksgiving and Christmas are the holidays typically associated with charitable food distributions, but in 2011 Beth Gray had a different idea.

Beth, a member of the Ada Food Pantry Board, suggested a food distribution associated with the 4th of July. Starting that year the Pantry has during the first week of July distributed to its clients a “basket” of food associated with a summer picnic.

Included were hamburgers or hotdogs, buns, potato salad, corn on the cob and watermelon.

Distribution occurred on July 1 this year marking the fourth year of the successful and popular event. Food was distributed to over 50 households served by the pantry. The efforts of over a dozen volunteers representing the local churches who run the Ada Food Pantry made the event possible.

The Ada Food Pantry serves eligible households in Ada, Liberty Township and Washington Township. Eligibility is based on household size and income and those eligible receive a two to three day supply of food each month.

The Ada Food Pantry is located in the basement of the First Presbyterian Church on the corner of Lincoln and Main Streets and is open every Tuesday from 4 until 6 p.m. and every Saturday from 10 a.m. until noon. Additional information including ways to donate or volunteer can be found at adafoodpantry.org.