Ross County Rescues Food to Feed Families in Need

Every year, 92 billion pounds of food go to waste in America while families struggle to put meals on the table. Ross County, Ohio just launched a solution that tackles both problems at once.

The new food rescue program connects local restaurants, grocery stores, and hospitals with the Good Samaritan Food Pantry in Chillicothe. Instead of tossing perfectly edible surplus food, businesses now donate it to families facing food insecurity.

The partnership brings together the Ross County Health District, Unidine Corp at Adena Regional Medical Center, and Good Samaritan Food Pantry. On February 26, volunteers made their first delivery, and biweekly food drops are now scheduled going forward.

Jordan George and Sage Fout from the Ross County Health District lead the effort alongside United Way CEO Andrea Williams. "This is all about partnership and everybody stepping up to do the right thing," Williams said as the team unloaded that first delivery.

The program started small but has big ambitions. George and United Way are rebuilding the Ross County Food Network, a coalition working to solve food waste and distribution challenges across the region.

The Ripple Effect

This pilot program proves what happens when healthcare, nonprofits, and public health join forces. Families get access to nutritious food they need while tons of waste gets diverted from landfills.

The effort supports the health district's Creating Healthy Communities program, which fights chronic disease through better nutrition and active living. Federal laws like the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act protect donors from liability, making it easier for businesses to participate without worry.

Health Commissioner Janelle McManis sees this as just the beginning. "Reducing food waste while improving access to nutritious foods is good for families and for our environment," she said, inviting more organizations to join.

Anyone wanting to donate food can drop it off at Good Samaritan Food Pantry at 255 N. Woodbridge Ave. in Chillicothe, and those interested in joining the food rescue effort can contact Jordan George at 740-775-9652.

Ross County is proving that good food belongs on tables, not in trash bins.