Empowering the Hungry: Ohio Students Volunteer to Fight Food Insecurity

In the heart of Grove City, Ohio, a group of Ohio Wesleyan University (OWU) students are making a tangible difference in the fight against hunger. These young changemakers are dedicating their time and energy to support the vital work of the Mid-Ohio Food Collective (MOFC), a nonprofit organization that provides over 170,000 meals daily to families in need across 20 central and eastern counties.

Fueling Hope, One Meal at a Time

Volunteering to Make a Difference

As part of the university's orientation program, Camp Oh-Woo, 150 OWU students spent a day volunteering at the MOFC warehouse in Grove City. Sophomore Ian Sander, a microbiology, pre-dentistry, and psychology major, was among the dedicated volunteers. Sander, who first volunteered with the organization during his freshman year, found the experience so rewarding that he returned this year as a camp leader."Honestly, I feel gratitude for this place, even being here," Sander expressed. "To be able to serve these people. To help people who don't really have access to these sorts of things." The young volunteer recognized the profound impact of his efforts, understanding that his work was making a tangible difference in the lives of those facing food insecurity.

Empowering the Community

The MOFC's Volunteer Services coordinator, Jeremy Brauning, emphasized the vital role that volunteers play in the organization's mission. "They save our organization over $3 million in labor each and every year," Brauning stated. "We have over 17,000 unique individuals that share the same cause that we do: that they don't want to see their neighbors go hungry."The MOFC offers a diverse range of volunteer opportunities, from sorting and packing food to serving customers at their Mid-Ohio markets and even working on their farm. These experiences not only provide practical assistance but also instill a sense of community and purpose in the volunteers.

Addressing Evolving Challenges

Brauning acknowledged that the demand for the MOFC's services has not subsided as the pandemic wanes, but rather has increased due to factors like inflation. "A lot of folks are one bad day away from needing support," he said. "Our volunteers are truly providing hope for folks that may have the most difficult day of their life."The OWU president, Matt vandenBerg, commended the MOFC for its tireless efforts and the valuable experiences it provides to students. "We want to give them extraordinary experiences, and our partners right here are just incredible," vandenBerg said. "Our students come with away an appreciation for the idea that the world is a big place and there are a lot of challenges, along with a lot of opportunities to serve."

Fostering Future Changemakers

For students like Ian Sander, the opportunity to volunteer with the MOFC has been transformative. "We can make a difference, even if it's just packing baking supplies. It does make a difference, and people are very grateful for it," he said. The experience has empowered these young individuals to see themselves as "future changemakers" in the fight against hunger and other pressing societal issues.Through their dedication and compassion, the OWU students are not only making a tangible impact on their local community but also cultivating a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by those in need. Their efforts serve as a testament to the power of volunteerism and the transformative potential of young people to drive positive change.