Feeding hope: Wayne County’s monthly food pantry market brings relief to hundreds

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• A monthly pop-up food pantry provides fresh groceries to Wayne County residents.
• The market-style pantry allows participants to choose food items that meet their dietary needs.
• The pantry eliminates transportation barriers and connects residents with health and social services.

A monthly pop-up food pantry, sponsored by the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank in partnership with the Wayne County Health Department, is proving to be a vital resource for families.

Launched in July 2024, the market-style food program is held 11 a.m.-1 p.m. every second Tuesday in the Wayne County Health Department parking lot, l244 W. South St., Wooster, and provides fresh, shelf-stable groceries directly to Wayne County residents.

According to Shawnte Ellsworth, an accounting specialist with the Wayne County Health Department, the market-style pantry reduces waste by allowing participants to choose the food items they want.

“With the drive-up style, we provided pre-packed bags of food, and there were no options,” Ellsworth said. “The market style allows people to walk through and pick the items that meet their dietary needs.”

‘I have seen the program’s numbers grow’

The monthly pantry eliminates transportation barriers and delivers groceries directly to families. Ellsworth credits the event’s success to the staff and its many volunteers who work efficiently to serve those who visit the pantry.

“We hope to serve about 200 people today. I have seen the program’s numbers grow, and we always have plenty of volunteers who keep the pantry moving smoothly,” she said while helping at a recent pantry. “We do whatever is needed. I have worked traffic before; I really enjoy being involved with the effort.”

The pantry also provides residents with the opportunity to connect with broader health and social services, such as WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) or Medicaid. Residents are encouraged to inquire about the additional services offered by the Wayne County Health Department.

The next pantry is July 8.

For the pantry schedule and additional information, visit wayne-health.org.

Dan Starcher is the Public Communications coordinator for Wayne County.