GALLIPOLIS — Seeking to provide much-needed aid to people in Appalachian Ohio, Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio (LSS) mobile food pantry project will make its first trip to Gallia County on Tuesday, April 21 at Grace United Methodist Church, 600 Second Ave., from noon to 2 p.m.

Beginning in May, the mobile pantry will visit the area on the first and third Tuesday of every month from noon to 2 p.m. and serve 100 qualifying Gallia County families per trip. The first delivery of the month will take place at New Life Lutheran Church, 170 New Life Way, Gallipolis, with the second at Grace United Methodist Church.

“A number of pantries in southeast Ohio have closed or are struggling to provide for people in need, and it is extremely difficult for families during these tough times,” said Barb Packer, corporate director of food pantry services. “Our mobile food pantry truck will help alleviate that burden for 200 Gallia County residents each month, and we hope to increase that number as we progress in this endeavor.”

Each client may use the pantry once per month and will receive a three-day supply of food. Identification for every family member must be shown each visit and clients are asked to bring their own box or bags to carry the provided food.

Those looking to use the pantry must have a referral from FirstLink, a non-profit organization that works to improve lives. A referral, which is available one week prior to the pantry’s visitation date, can be received by calling (877) 704-3663 on Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. The line is also open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

With its regional divisions of Lutheran Social Services of Southern Ohio and Lutheran Social Services of Northern Ohio, Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio serves thousands of people each day by focusing on the core societal issues of hunger, housing, healing and hope. LSS provides food pantries, homeless shelters, senior living, affordable housing communities and other programs and services that uplift families and strengthen communities.

LSS is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, recognized by the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and a charter member of Lutheran Social Services in America.