By Marlena Ballinger

ADA_Beatitudes served over 100 families with its summer food distribution that occurred on June 9. 

According to Deb Curlis, the coordinator for the food drive, Beatitudes received two grants for the distributed food. One came from the Hardin County Community Foundation and a second grant came from the John Henry Eldrige Jr. Foundation. The grants totaled $9000. Each Hardin County school district was represented in the 100 kids who signed up, including some homeschooled students.

Deb said that this year, they wanted to focus on serving the community by both providing food and purchasing food. So, they worked directly with Community Market to purchase all the food needed.

“Community Market was great to work with and made it so much easier to transport the food,” Deb said.

In years past, Deb made several trips to Walmart for food pickup but was grateful to be able to support local businesses with the program.

In the seven years the Beatitudes has provided food for students, it has gone from serving meals already prepared, to providing a weekly amount of food, to now providing enough food to feed families through the summer.

Deb cited the increased cost of running the program as the catalyst for the distribution change. They also provide families with a gift card to purchase perishable items such as milk and eggs.

“We are happy and fortunate to be able to carry it on this year,” said Deb.

Beatitudes continually accepts donations of any size for the cause. Those who donate $100 or more will get their names on the “blessing wall.” Those wishing to donate may call Deb Curlis at 419-788-9459 or visit the Beatitudes Community Center located at 210 N. Main Street.