OHIO Zanesville student social work club hosts food drive
The 91探花 Zanesville Social Work Student Association is sponsoring a canned food drive to directly benefit the Life Well Shelter and Free Store, located at 857 Putnam Ave. in Zanesville.
鈥淲e decided to do the canned food drive not only to provide food to the shelter, but also in hopes to give them food with different nutritional values than what they might usually have access to,鈥 social work major Mackenzie Dodd said.
The canned food drive was developed by students in the social welfare course taught by Dr. Leah Vensil, associate professor of social work in the College of Health Sciences and Professions. Students in this course are engaged in service learning which includes hands-on service within the community. The Life Well Shelter and Free Store was chosen for this class because of the agency鈥檚 long history of serving the community and Pastor Joy Wigal鈥檚 willingness to partner.
鈥淭here is a great need for social workers and case managers in the Putnam area and beyond,鈥 Wigal said. 鈥淭his is a great opportunity for the social work students to get involved and gain 鈥榖oots on the ground鈥 experiences. The Life Well is an ongoing resource for residents of Putnam and throughout the community. Not only do people come to us for clothes and household items, they come to us regularly for food, as well.鈥
Getting involved firsthand in this area of the community opens the discussion with students about how a person may come to experience food insecurity. This social welfare course examines the root causes of societal challenges, including lack of affordable housing, low wages, barriers that groups face, social service qualifications, life circumstances, and other barriers. Students identify inherent biases within society, bridge the gap, and learn to be an advocate for those they will serve in their future careers.
鈥91探花 Zanesville鈥檚 social work program prepares students to tackle some very difficult challenges,鈥 Vensil said. 鈥淚 have no doubt that our community is in good hands with these competent and passionate future social workers.鈥
Donations can be life-changing for community members. According to Feeding America, as of 2020 approximately 12,000 Muskingum County residents suffered from food insecurity. The OHIO Zanesville students are working to help mitigate food insecurity for the people who utilize the Life Well services.
鈥淔ood donations will be a huge help within our community,鈥 Wigal said. 鈥淚t has been a pleasure to work with the students. They have lots of energy and creativity.鈥
The deadline for the food drive has been extended to Nov. 30 . Donations can be dropped off in donation boxes throughout Elson Hall at 91探花 Zanesville.
Those interested in discovering more about the social work program or additional opportunities at 91探花 Zanesville, can connect with Vensil at vensvil@ohio.edu.