Pathways Credit Union fights food insecurity in New Albany by donating to local food pantry
Pictured from Left to Right: Jennifer Wilcoxon - New Albany Food Pantry Director; Max Bennett - Pathways Business Development Specialist; Miriam Kroeker - Branch Manager.

Pathways Branch Manager Miriam Kroeker and Pathways Business Development Specialist Max Bennett presented Jennifer Wilcoxon, New Albany Food Pantry Director, with a check for $1,000 to help purchase food for families in need. 

There has been an 82% increase in the number of New Albany residents reaching out for food assistance in the last few years. "It really puts things into perspective when you see how many people are in need in our community," said Kroeker. "We are hoping to continue to partner with the New Albany Food Pantry to help however we can."

The New Albany Food Pantry relies heavily on food and monetary donations from the community to continue to provide food assistance. In the last few years, the demand for food has risen drastically, despite the increasing cost of food and the decrease in donations. "We do purchase a lot of our food from the Mid-Ohio Food Collective," explained Wilcoxon. "Every dollar donated can provide up to $5.22 in groceries."

The New Albany Food Pantry seeks to eliminate food insecurity within the New Albany-Plain Local School District by connecting neighbors in need with food and other critical resources. They provided more than 300,000 meals last year, most of which were for children needing summer meals and food boxes for when school is not in session. To find out how you can help support the New Albany Food Pantry, visit the "Give Help" tab on their website at newalbanyfoodpantry.org.