3509 Debolt Road
Cincinnati, OH 45244
Connecting Families with Basic Needs
Inter Parish Ministry (IPM) Food Pantry addresses the need of food insecurity and poverty-related stress experienced by individuals living in 30 zip codes across Southwest Ohio. A 2019 Dater grant supported these programs: IPM Choice Food Pantry, Community Garden, Healthy Eating and Cooking Classes, and Summer Community Picnics. Because of the Dater grant, IPM provided more than 44,000 pounds of food each month to over 800 families in need. This included produce, meat and dairy in addition to non-perishable items.
Additionally, IPM supported four community gardens, two of which were onsite at affordable housing complexes where residents were able to gain experience and ownership by tending and harvesting the gardens. Several families participated in IPM’s cooking classes though a partnership with the Ohio State University Extension. Offered at the food pantry, individuals learned valuable cooking and nutrition skills.
Finally, through the Dater grant, IPM held 10 summer community picnics, serving over 750 individuals. These summer picnics allowed IPM clients to build relationships and share a healthy meal together with IPM staff, volunteers, and other guests of IPM Food Pantry.
Three guests of IPM shared the ways in which these experiences impacted them this year:
Samantha said:Picnics at IPM helped me socialize again after I was bullied at school and started to have a lot of social anxiety. We always feel welcome here.
Sharon – senior citizen: IPM’s community meals have provided me with a social life after the death of my husband. IPM never makes me feel unworthy.
Evelyn – Mother of 5, raising two grandchildren, husband lost job after suffering two heart attacks, a stroke and lung surgery: If it wasn’t for IPM we would not have made it. You really made a difference for us. When I walk in this building, you treat me like family. I always feel
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