Shelby Area Democratic Club learns of efforts to feed those in need
SHELBY – The need for food assistance in Richland County is high and has increased since the pandemic, retired steelworker Rich Banichar told members of the Shelby Area Democratic Club at their recent meeting.
Banichar’s work to help others in need began with his membership in the United Steelworkers union. He and other members participated in USW fundraisers to raise money for the poor.
One of the organizations he now supports is Matthew 25, which provides free fresh food to hundreds of families in Richland and Ashland counties through a monthly drive-thru at area locations like Mansfield Senior High. They also provide monthly food packages for seniors who qualify. For those who can’t get out, Banichar and others deliver the produce directly to their door. Banichar said he delivers to up to 60 households in the Shelby area each month.
He also works with a local farmer to give away his surplus produce. This includes things like eggs, corn and various other products. Over the past three years, Banichar estimates that over 5,000 dozen eggs have been distributed to food banks and individuals in the area. Sometimes he gets a call on the weekend to pick up the eggs when the food banks are closed. Then he gets in his truck and drives door to door in poorer neighborhoods to give the eggs away.
Banichar is also a member of the Shelby Lions Club. As a project, the club hosts a monthly lunch at the People’s Pavilion, a project of People Helping People of North Central Ohio. The organization offers a free lunch to anyone who visits, 365 days a year, rain or shine. The Pavilion is located on Bowman Street between Third and Fourth Streets in Mansfield. Banichar says that while most clients are lucky to have a roof over their heads, many of them live on the streets.
Banichar has found the people he serves to be proud and kind. He told the story of a woman to whom he gave a dozen ears of corn, and she called him back to give him $5 for “his service.” An hour later, he spoke to a young man who was out of luck. He pulled out the $5, but the young man protested, not wanting to take Banichar’s last $5. Banichar said he loves his work and it is driven by his faith.
More club updates
In another item, club secretary Cindy Gordon read a letter from former Shelby City Councilman Garland Gates informing the club of his and his wife Patti’s new life in Vermont. All is well, Gates said. They have settled into their new home in the village of Bristol, population 1,936, and he is already active in the local Democratic Club.
Treasurer JC Elgin reported on the Truman Kennedy Breakfast in May. The speaker, Ohio Supreme Court Justice Melody Stewart, brought a record crowd, and the club approved that proceeds be used to benefit her campaign for re-election as well as local Democratic candidates Emily Adams, who is running for State Representative, Reverend Aaron Williams, who is running for Richland County Commissioner, and Chris Adams, who is running for Richland County Clerk of Court.
Club President John Makley also spoke about the club’s efforts to bring Shelby residents together to learn about the Democratic candidates. The meetings are called “The Conversation Project” and will be small and intimate.
“This is not only an opportunity for attendees to listen to the candidates, but also for the candidates to learn about the needs and issues the attendees are facing,” Makley said.
The Shelby Area Democratic Club meets the third Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. in the Sutter-Roush Room at the rear of 23 E. Main St. All Democrats and people of good will are welcome.
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