To some, it may be surprising to learn that in Ashland County 13.4%, or 7,140 people, were food insecure in 2016 according to Feeding America. In 2017, Ashland's Associated Charities Food Bank had an average of between 220 and 260 families seeking food assistance each month, according to an Ashland Source column. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines food insecurity as a lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life. (Hunger is the physical sensation of discomfort from lack of food.)
Food insecurity is a complex problem, often, but not always, intertwined with poverty. It does not exist in isolation, as low-income families are affected by multiple, overlapping issues like affordable housing, social isolation, health problems, medical costs, and low wages. Remarkably, there are not just one, but several local organizations in Ashland County committed to assisting those struggling with food insecurity, many of them operating solely from the benevolence of donors and volunteers.
Ashland Public Library wants to assist those local organizations by hosting a Food For Fines week in mid-March. The library will be accepting donations of non-perishable food items, cleaning supplies, and personal hygiene items in lieu of payment for overdue fines on patrons' accounts during the entire week of March 17 through the 23rd. Donations cannot be accepted for lost, damage, or referral fees on any account. Opened, expired, or items not in their original packaging will not be accepted. Items that come as 4 or 6 packs are counted as one item and will waive one fine.
All items collected during this week will be given to the local charitable organizations for distribution to the Ashland community, including ACCESS, Associated Charities, Catholic Charities, Council on Aging, Safe Haven, and Salvation Army Food Pantry.
For more information, or for a list of accepted items, contact the Ashland Public Library by calling 419-289-8188, visiting www.ashland.lib.oh.us, stopping by the service desk at the main library located at 224 Claremont Avenue, Ashland, Ohio, or via the social media pages on Facebook and Twitter.