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A Recipe For Fighting Hunger – And Crime


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It isn't in their job descriptions but employees of the Athens County Prosecuting Attorney's office are not balking at fighting hunger as well as crime.

In what is expected to be an annual affair, employees of Prosecutor Keller Blackburn are providing food to the Southeast Ohio Foodbank.

The effort was Blackburn's way of allowing himself and his employees to give something back.

"I thought with it being Thanksgiving week it would be a great cause for the Prosecutor’s office and it would give us an opportunity to reflect on our blessings by giving to others. I am grateful that my wonderful office staff reached into their pantries or bought food and donated it.”

Administrative Assistant, Kim Withem who coordinated the food drive said “This is the first year the Prosecutor’s office has collected food for the Foodbank and we had a great turn out. We plan to continue this tradition.”

Jay Barrett, Felony Investigator, Victim Advocate, and Diversion Director said the office plans to involve those in the Diversion Program next year by going into the community to help collect the food.

Blackburn says the food will be taken to the Southeast Ohio Foodbank which serves the needy in Gallia, Hocking, Jackson, Lawrence, Meigs, Morgan, Perry, Vinton, and Washington Counties.