XENIA — Nicole Adkins knows what it’s like to be hungry.
Nearly 20 years ago, the Greene County business owner went through a divorce and to make sure her three kids were fed, she ate just one meal every three days for nine months.
Now remarried and mother of six kids, Adkins doesn’t worry about from where her next meal is coming. And now she is trying to help others who are in the position she once was.
The owner of Vacuum and Gifts in Fairborn started With God’s Grace, a mobile food pantry, and is set to bring it to Xenia every month, beginning Thursday, April 28 at New Hope Christian Church. She has had success with similar events in Yellow Springs, Fairborn and Huber Heights.
“So many people struggle, we just don’t see the needs unless you walked in their shoes,” Adkins said. “I want to go where the needs are. You have to go to the need. A lot of the elderly, they can’t drive.”
The pantry opens 6 p.m. and will not close until the goal/limit of 125 families are fed. She and her helpers will unload a truck full of food and will make sure everyone gets some.
“We want it (the food) all gone,” Adkins said. “We don’t want to pack it back up.”
It’s an easy process to receive the food, according to Adkins.
“They just need ID, how many people in the household and names and ages,” she said. “There’s no income verification.”
Shut-ins can send a care-giver with a proxy letter.
The pantry is set up somewhat like a grocery store with similar food items grouped together. There is a limit per family, however some extra items will be available. There will be health and beauty items available, along with pet food.
Adkins has partnered with the Dayton Food Bank to obtain food at a reasonable cost to her and her supporters. She receives items at 14 cents per pound. She can provide four meals for a family for just $1. Her 401(c)3 accepts money and food donations, but the monetary contributions are preferred.
“We can’t do it without donations,” she said.
Future dates — all Thursdays except for November — are May 26, June 23, July 28, Aug. 25, Sept. 222, Oct. 27, Nov. 23 and Dec. 22 at New Hope Christian Church, 73 High St.
“We want to reach out to the community,” church congregant Linda Greathouse said. “Our goal is to minister to the needs of others.”
