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Trimble Outreach Caseworker Becky Handa delivering bread to a mother at food drive
Trimble Outreach Caseworker Becky Handa delivers bread to family in need. [Ty Carpenter | WOUB]

The Peanut Butter and Jelly Project delivers sandwiches and produce to Athens County families

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JACKSONVILLE, Ohio (WOUB) – Athens County Children Services is providing free lunches so children don’t go hungry over the summer.

Children stand together at Peanut Butter Jelly Project with food in their hands.
Children gather to show their sandwiches and chips at Peanut Butter and Jelly Project. [Ty Carpenter | WOUB]
Over 100 families gathered at the first distribution of this year’s Peanut Butter and Jelly Project to receive a loaf of bread and a jar of peanut butter and jelly.

Other organizations, including the Southeast Ohio Foodbank and Joe Burrow Foundation, distributed fresh produce.

Altogether, each family received a week’s worth of sandwiches and groceries. 

“At the Trimble site, at least for the peanut butter and jelly program, I am typically out within 30 minutes of showing up on site,” said Becky Handa, Trimble outreach caseworker and organizer at the Trimble location. “It’s wonderful to have other organizations to partner with.”

According to the Southeast Ohio Food Bank, one in six people in Athens County face food insecurity.

“Being able to provide extra food for the family is extremely important to meet the needs during the summertime when the school is closed and the children don’t have access to that free breakfast and lunch every day,” Handa said. 

Handa, who grew up in Glouster, knows the struggles of her community firsthand.

“I was raised by a single mom with lots of siblings, and I needed to utilize the community resources for my family,” said Handa. “So being able to give back and be in this community to make sure that the children and the families have the support that they need, it’s invaluable to me.”

The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. every Thursday until July 31, with the exception of June 19, at each of the following locations:

  • Alexander Elementary School
  • Athens-Meigs Educational Service Center
  • Nelsonville City Park
  • The Plains Community Park
  • Trimble Elementary School

All families in need of assistance are invited. For more information on distribution or how to donate, call (740) 592-3061.