The Caring & Sharing Food Pantry is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We exist because food insecurity is a pressing issue that affects over 14% of the residents in Paulding County, Ohio, and millions of people across the country.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, food insecurity is defined as a lack of consistent access to enough food for every person in a household to live an active, healthy life. This issue can be temporary for some families, while for others, it can be a prolonged struggle.
The impact of food insecurity extends beyond hunger, affecting physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. It can lead to a range of challenges, from developmental issues in children to increased stress and anxiety in adults.
Through the support of donors and volunteers, Caring & Sharing Food Pantry is dedicated to fighting food insecurity in Paulding County. We work to ensure that every family here has access to the food they need, regardless of their circumstances. Our efforts are bolstered by partnerships with organizations like the West Ohio Food Bank and Feeding America, which help us acquire and distribute food efficiently and effectively.
Caring & Sharing Food Pantry was created in 1980 in the basement of the rectory of St. Joseph Catholic Church, which is now Divine Mercy Catholic Parish, thanks to the dedication and compassion of Deacon Francis Koenn and many caring county residents. In 2003, we relocated to 119 S. Main Street next to the Paulding County Carnegie Library.
In 2022, we embarked on a fundraising campaign to construct a new location at 318 N. Walnut Street. Thanks to the generosity of the Paulding County community, churches and businesses, we raised the money to build. And by April 2024, we moved into a new, 3,900 square foot building designed for our purposes with a warehouse, market and community room and later added a walk-in freezer. This is where we operate today.
Our mission is powered by more than 100 volunteers per month. They operate the pantry by registering eligible families, serving as shopping guides, stocking the warehouse, as well as picking up and unloading food donated from a variety of sources. They serve on the board and committees that plan events, produce marketing and raise ongoing funds to support operations.
Executive director and assistant are part-time, paid staff who oversee all of our operations, including food acquisition, volunteer coordination, facility management and client service delivery.
Jodi Schneider
Director
River Rickles
Assistant
The governance of our organization is provided by a board of directors, each holding a renewable, three-year term:
The Caring & Sharing Food Pantry is an agency partner with the West Ohio Food Bank, located in Lima, Ohio. As part of the Feeding America national network, West Ohio Food Bank supports 11 counties in Ohio by distributing food, providing education and raising awareness about food insecurity. We acquire about 30% of the food we deliver to the Paulding County residents from these two organizations.
The common goal of the three organizations is to help people get the food and resources they need to thrive.