Food relief set in wake of grocery fire
FoodBank’s mobile pantry helps those impacted by fire.
In response to the recent fire that destroyed the Food For Less on East Third Street in Dayton, another grocer is sponsoring five food distributions for families impacted through The Foodbank’s Mobile Food Pantry.
The first distribution will be Tuesday at The FoodBank, followed by four weekly distributions through Dec. 21 at Laborers’ Local 1410.
“Kroger is pleased to help ease the worries of residents who lost their grocery store in a fire last week with a few options to get much needed food and grocery items,” said Tim Brown, Kroger, Cincinnati/Dayton Division president. “The mobile pantry will be a lifeline to residents who depended on their community store.”
Distributions are open to those impacted by the fire. Clients must meet household eligibility requirements and provide a photo ID and proof of residence.
Michelle L. Riley, CEO of The Foodbank, said partners
FOOD DISTRIBUTIONS FOR FAMILIES IMPACTED BY FOOD FOR LESS FIRE
■ Nov. 21
10-11 a.m.
The Foodbank
56 Armor Place, Dayton Note: This is distribution is only open to 45403 zip code and the surrounding communities like Kroger and Laborers’ Local 1410 will help ensure East Dayton residents have access to fresh food while they struggle with the loss of the store.
“Dayton is a town full of ■ Nov. 29th; Dec. 4, 12, 21 11 a.m.-noon Laborers’ Local 1410 2228 E. Third Street, Dayton
Note: These are open to anyone in need of food assistance generous people who care about community,” she said. “Together, we will make life a little easier for our neighbors impacted by this tremendous loss.”
Because the building was a total loss, it could be some time before the cause of the fire is determined, said Dayton Fire Department spokesman Bryan Adams.
“A lot of damage makes it harder to investigate,” he said.
On Nov. 18, Grace Cares, a ministry of Grace Baptist Church in Kettering, in partnership with Kroger, will begin offering free shuttle transportation from the closed Food For Less store to Kroger at 1024 S. Smithville Road. The service will run on Mondays from 4-5:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 12-3 p.m.
Lutfi Hussein, the owner of Food For Less, said the fire was “devastating.”
Hussein, who also owns the People’s Market on North Main Street, said he is determined to rebuild Food For Less, but future plans will be guided by the amount of any insurance settlement.
“It was never in our mind to put the clients or our customers in any hardship,” he said. “We are as much victims as they are, and I hope one day we’ll put it back together — and soon — and be able to have them back again. I understand what they are going through and sympathize.”