When Matthew 25 Outreach Center held its first food distribution in August 2016, everything was in place. Their mission was clear. Volunteers were ready. Six thousand pounds of fresh produce was ready to be distributed to local families. But two hours into that hot summer morning, half the food was still sitting out.
“I knew the need was there,” said Pastor Jeff, the organization’s president. “But I hadn’t earned their trust yet.”
Thinking quickly, Pastor Jeff turned to a well-respected person in the community for help. She reassured her friends and neighbors that it was safe for them to visit the distribution. Within minutes, families began to a rive. Less than an hour later, the truck was empty.
The need for food access was real, but reaching people required more than just showing up; it required trust and flexibility.
Today, Matthew 25 serves Richland, Medina and Ashland counties.
As time progressed, Pastor Jeff knew there were more people in need — people who couldn’t pick up groceries in person. Delivering food directly to people with health issues and transportation barriers wasn’t part of Matthew 25’s original plan, but the organization evolved to better meet the needs of the community.
In addition to its drive-thru distribution, Matthew 25 added a home delivery service for neighbors. With the help of more than 100 volunteers who use their personal vehicles, fresh produce is delivered to thousands of people every month.
Additionally, the organization delivers food boxes to older adults each month — many of whom live alone and can’t leave their homes to pick up groceries.
After years of serving families facing hunger, Pastor Jeff has learned how thin the line is between stability and struggle.
“A lot of folks are living on the bubble,” Jeff explains. “They’re able to make ends meet and then all of a sudden, a car breaks down, health issues surface, they lose a job and they can’t pay their bills. They don’t have enough food to put on the table.”
A strong partnership with the Foodbank, local organizations and a dedicated group of 1,500 volunteers makes the work possible.
“There is absolutely no way any one of us could imagine doing a food distribution without God’s help and guidance — and without the support of organizations and people like the Foodbank,” Jeff said.