The Ottawa County Family Advocacy Center completed its summer food service program offered to all of Ottawa County for kids age 18 and under. Over the course of the summer, more than 42,000 meals were delivered in Marblehead, Genoa, Oak Harbor, Graytown, Rocky Ridge, Put-in-Bay and Port Clinton.

Program Coordinator Annie Hild said among the items distributed were 4,200 half gallons of milk, 21,000 cups of applesauce, 10,500 juice boxes and 6,000 pieces of string cheese. In addition, 12,759 pounds of food from the Northwest Ohio Food bank were distributed.

This program was quickly put into place when the school systems ended their “grab and go” food service at the end of the school year in May. The Family Advocacy Center received support from the United Way, The Toledo Community Foundation and the Ottawa County Community Foundation, as well as the Department of Education.

The agency has provided congregate summer meals for a number of years in Genoa, Port Clinton and Oak Harbor. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and shutdown, plans had to be made to switch to a different style of providing families with food. When schools re-opened, the agency was able to discontinue the food service program.

Plans are underway to provide some food to families in need over holiday breaks from school. Donations are always welcome to help support this program. Please contact the agency if you are interested in assisting at 419-301-0225.