ABC 6 and Fox 28 are teaming up with United Way, showcasing the impact the United Way has on the community.
One of the programs the United Way supports is The Gladden Food Pantry.
Rosalie Goins has been going to the food pantry for the last five years.
"It helps me get the healthy foods I need," Goins said.
The food pantry services families in the Franklinton area.
"There's so many things you can get here, " said Goins.
Rosalie says the pantry helps her keep her food bill down. She says she had to give up her job and wasn't prepared for retirement so she needs the help.
"I didn't plan well for my retirement. I thought you sit on the swing and live happily ever after, but that's not the case. I went from two incomes - to now I just have one," she said.
Mardi Ciriaco is the Vice President of Community Services for the Gladden Community House.
She says the pantry provides additional food for families. She calls them the working poor.
"Many of these families, someone is working in the household, but maybe their hours were cut or they've gone from two incomes down to one," she said.
"We serve 1000 households a month and we have a budget of 500 dollars a week to buy 10 thousand pounds of food, " Ciriaco said.
It's a big commitment - several groups including the United Way help fund the program.
"But we're constantly looking for new financial resources and support to continue providing food for the community, " Ciriaco said.
The pantry is open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 3pm, except on Wednesday when the pantry opens at 1pm.
The mission of The United Way of Central Ohio is to Improve the lives of others by mobilizing the caring power of our community.
To learn how you can donate, advocate or volunteer, visit the United Way of Central Ohio.
