RAIN SHUTS DOWN NUTTER CENTER FOOD DISTRIBUTION
Hardly a total loss as some 300 households are served Thursday.
Rain and extreme weather shut down The Foodbank’s mass food distribution Thursday at Wright State University’s Nutter Center.
At least 300 households were served before the event ended abruptly.
The event was scheduled for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., but officials started it earlier in an attempt to beat storms and high temperatures.
The distribution was briefly halted around 11 after heavy rains poured in the area. Shortly after, more rain resulted in the event ending early.
“Due to the extreme weather and rain, the mass distribution at Wright State is closing early,” the organization shared in a Facebook post around 11:30. “All cars currently in line are being served, but we are unable to take any more cars. Our drive-thru pantry will be open Monday from 1-3 p.m., so please see us then. Thank you for your understanding.”
This was the third mass distribution event The Foodbank has hosted during the coronavirus pandemic, said Lee Lauren Truesdale, chief development officer for The Foodbank.
The organization was expecting to serve about 1,000 households.
“We know that people’s lives are stabilizing, but there’s a lot of uncertainty,” Truesdale said. “Tonight we’re under a mask mandate and that changes things as well. People can get a little uncertain of what’s coming next. I think people are just preparing and trying to be safe.”
David Harris got in line around 9:15 and said he was grateful for The Foodbank’s help.
“I really appreciate it. I’m retired and the stuff that’s going around, if it’s real or not, it’s made it hard on everybody,” he said.
The Foodbank was giving out a variety of items, including fresh corn on the cob, cantaloupe, plums and some baked goods.
The food distribution is part of a six-year partnership between Wright State and The Foodbank. A mass food distribution event in April served 4,500 people representing 1,381 households. Contact The Foodbank at 937-949-4096.