Loveland Magazine

LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

Without fear or favor

Since 2004

Tag: food pantry

  • Become a L.I.F.E. Life Saver today

    Become a L.I.F.E. Life Saver today

    Loveland, Ohio

    Take part in the 2024 LIFE Food Pantry Annual Fundraising Campaign, which will raise awareness and donations for LIFE‘s many programs that serve the northeastern suburbs of Cincinnati and the entire 45140 zip code. Keep reading for ways to get involved this year!

    INDIVIDUALS: DONATE HERE!

    Since 1988, LIFE has provided food and financial assistance to Loveland and surrounding communities. Sadly, the number of our neighbors reliant on LIFE for their food source has doubled in the last four years alone. In fact, we are currently serving 14% of all Loveland residents — including hundreds of seniors and nearly 1,000 children — and our 2024 distributions show the demand is increasing. These neighbors can also experience financial crisis and LIFE was able to provide more than $44,000 in assistance in 2023.

    CORPORATIONS: DONATE HERE!

    HOW TO GET INVOLVED

    Our services are dependent on the generosity of our wonderful community and there are so many ways you can get involved:

    MONETARY SUPPORT
    A monetary contribution to our annual contribution helps us keep our programs thriving and able to meet the growing demand of our neighbors. Click here to donate online.

    FOOD DONATIONS / FOOD DRIVES
    Help stock our shelves by dropping off food items during our normal business hours or host your own food drive! We can help! Click here or email fooddrives@lifefoodpantry.org to learn more about food drives.

    SPREAD THE WORD
    Tell everyone about LIFE Food Pantry and the work we do for the community. Download and post a BE A LIFE SAVER flyer or spread the word through social media by clicking on these icons:

    CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS
    The Greater Loveland business community is integral to the success of LIFE. Please consider becoming a partner for the 2024 calendar year. Click here to see the perks of being a LIFE Corporate Partner.

  • Santa and Spouse will be in town Saturday, December 4

    Santa and Spouse will be in town Saturday, December 4

    by David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – LIFE Executive Director Linda Bergholz told David and Tammy Terry, “We so appreciate that you do this for the kids every year.” She was thanking the owners of RP Diamond Printing & Embroidery for once again hosting Loveland Santa Land. “Your event timing is perfect. The Giving Shop is the following week on Dec. 13 and 14th so there is plenty of time to gather the items and get them to the Lodge on Saturday. Food donations, of course, can come to the Pantry at any time.”

    Bergholz added, “Your support of the pantry is a highlight for both our Student LIFE Shop and the Holiday Giving Shop.  And this year I see that you supported the Merry Month of Meals Campaign as well—your generosity is humbling.”

    RP Diamond Printing & Embroidery is again hosting Loveland Santa Land. The event will take place Saturday, December 4 from noon until 4 PM in the Loveland Plaza parking lot on Loveland-Madeira Road.

    Santa will arrive via the Loveland/Symmes Fire Department’s Big Red Sleigh at noon where he will then set up in his house to meet with all the children.

    The Christmas Train will be running during the event. The Balloon Elves will be there along with a face painter and caricature artist.

    There is a Mystery Ride this year for everyone to enjoy.

    There will be FREE pizza and drinks at the event until supplies run out.

    Please stop by and take part in this FREE COMMUNITY EVENT.

    Santa will be collecting NEW UNWRAPPED TOYS along with CANNED GOODS to donate to the LIFE Food Pantry. The donation box will be located in front of his house.

    If you’re unable to make the event and still want to donate you can drop off your donation at RP Diamond Printing & Embroidery which is also located in the Loveland Plaza at 368 Loveland-Madeira Road Monday through Friday from 11 AM until 6 PM, and Saturday 11 AM until 3 PM.

    The collection will continue until Saturday, December 18.

  • Summer is passing too quickly—time to think about school starting already!

    Summer is passing too quickly—time to think about school starting already!

    by David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – The Student LIFE Shop event will be held Saturday, July 31 and Saturday, August 7 in the parking lot in front of the pantry between 9:30 AM until 12:30 PM.

    Every year the pantry throws a back to school party that helps their clients provide the things their children need to get back to learning in the Fall in style and with all the tools their more affluent school buddies will have. One important aspect of this program is that it frees up household funds that are needed for things like rent and utility payments.

    Clients of the LIFE Food Pantry with eligible students are invited to attend one of these two dates. Your pantry registration needs to be current and you will need to know in advance your student’s clothing sizes 

    This is a first come, first served event!

    Here is how YOU and the greater Loveland Community can help make the program a success:

    List of items needed if you’d like to donate: 

    • 3 subject spiral notebooks
    • 8 Subject dividers
    • Planners
    • Highlighters
    • Erasers
    • Permanent Markers
    • Composition Notebooks
    • Box of Colored Pencils
    • Bottles of Glue
    • 10 Subject dividers
    • College Ruled Loose Leaf paper
    • Scissors – Adult Size
    • Fine Line Colored Markers
    • One subject spiral notebooks
    • Reusable bags for personal items
    • Three Ring Binders 1.5”, 2”, 2.5” and 3”
    • Boxes of Tissues
    • Sanitizer/cleaning wipes
    • Hair Conditioner 

    Please drop items off at the LIFE Food Pantry by mid-July at the pantry storefront in Shoppers Haven – 541 Loveland Madeira Road.

  • [Video] LIFE Food Pantry receives $2K donation

    [Video] LIFE Food Pantry receives $2K donation

    Loveland, Ohio – On Thursday, LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV broadcast live from Historic Downtown Loveland when Paxton’s Grill, Ramsey’s Trailside, and the Loveland Legacy Foundation presented $2,000 to the Loveland Interfaith Effort LIFE Food Pantry.

    Speaking was Kevin Egan, one of the owners of the restaurants and Linda Bergholz, the Executive Director of the pantry.

    Watch all LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV videos.

  • Loveland Community Celebrates LIFE Food Pantry’s new Location!

    Loveland Community Celebrates LIFE Food Pantry’s new Location!

    Cassie Mattia lives in Historic Downtown and is the Associate Editor of Loveland Magazine

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – Loveland’s very own food pantry is now open for business!

    On Thursday, September 10th, LIFE (Loveland InterFaith Effort) Food Pantry showed off their beautiful new space located at 541 Loveland Maderia Road in the Shopper’s Haven Plaza to the Loveland community with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony. Although invites to the ceremony were limited due to the COVID-19 stipulations many community members, as well as the Mayor of Loveland, Kathy Bailey, and the Little Miami River Chamber of Commerce President, CeeCee Collins, rallied around to get a look at the food pantry’s new location.

    Luckily Loveland Magazine TV got a personalized tour by one of LIFE Food Pantry’s top volunteers after the ribbon was cut and the doors were opened!

    The tour showed the 2,000 square foot space filled with donations from Walmart, Kroger, Fresh Thyme, the 13 congregations that support the pantry, and several different food drives.

    Unlike the food pantry’s previous location at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church clients will now be able to feel as though they are shopping at their local “Corner Store” because of the added space and organization.

    Aisles within the pantry include proteins, pasta, prepared meals, veggies, fruits, baking supplies, soups, and much more! Each aisle is separated by the size of the family in need making it that much easier for clients to look at their choices and shop for themselves. This is what LIFE Food Pantry calls a “Choice Pantry.”

    The pantry’s new space also includes what they refer to as a “Tiger Closet,” which is specifically for Loveland students who are in need of food and other supplies. To see the full Loveland Magazine TV video of the LIFE Food Pantry’s opening day and ribbon-cutting ceremony click below!

    Coincidentally enough LIFE Food Pantry’s opening day happened to be on the same day as World Hunger Day making the day that much more important to everyone involved.

    Since the inception of the COVID-19 pandemic LIFE Food Pantry’s clients have increased by 1/3. Currently, LIFE serves 250 families (nearly 500 people a month) and they plan on seeing that number increase now that they have opened a larger location. Anyone who lives in the 45140 zip code can be helped by the food pantry. 

    To learn more about what LIFE Food Pantry offers and the new locations hours click below!

    LIFE Food Pantry Holds New Location Ribbon Cutting Ceremony!

    To watch the exclusive full-length Loveland Magazine TV interview with LIFE Food Pantry’s Executive Director, Linda Bergholz, click below!

    LIFE Food Pantry Moves to a Beautiful new Location!

    Stay tuned to get more “Loveland Salad” with Me, Cassie Mattia!

  • How Bout’ a Summer Salad?!

    How Bout’ a Summer Salad?!

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – Summer is finally here! As the temperatures start to rise, Loveland’s local businesses are preparing by offering fresh Summer specials, releasing new products, supporting new local causes, hosting fun community events, and creating fitness challenges.

    Here at Loveland Magazine, we thought it would be fun to share with you, our loyal readers, the “Summer Salad!” This segment will include everything you need to know about the community of Loveland and its local businesses so that you can live out your Summer to the fullest! So what are you waiting for Loveland?! Read below to see how you can support Loveland and have fun while doing it this Summer!

    Looking for a job?

    Community of Loveland, Ohio are you looking for a job and you have previous gutter installing experience? All American Gutter Protection is hiring! Visit All American Gutter Protection’s Facebook Page for more details: https://www.facebook.com/EndGutterCleaningForever/

    Want to help a local cause?

    Loveland Interfaith Effort LIFE is asking students to donate both backpacks and school supplies that they will no longer be using! Read below to see how you and your children can get involved now!

    “Now that your kids have finished their school year (albeit most unusual!), you’re likely cleaning out papers, book bags, etc. If you have gently used required reading books that are not likely to be read again, please consider donating them to LIFE for our August Student LIFE Shop event–they’ll be added to the age-appropriate backpacks and supplies. Donations can be dropped at any time to the bins inside the glass doors at the side entrance of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, or to the donation entrance at the Pantry (back of the church by the preschool ramp) during open hours (Th: 3-6:30, Sat. 9-12:30). Thanks for sharing the love of reading with our kids!”

    THIS WEEK’S PRIMARY NEEDS

    Beans of any kind
Mixed vegetables
Jelly
Peanut butter
Oatmeal
Cereal
Rice or rice dishes
Fresh potatoes
Fresh onions
Apples or oranges

    Symmetry Women’s Virtual Event

    The time is almost here for the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance’s Symmetry Women’s Virtual Event! Visit this link: http://business.lovelandchamber.org/events/details/symmetry-2020-women-s-executive-virtual-event-6801 to see how you can join the event and receive your own SWAG BAG!

    The Loveland Museum Center Asks…

    Loveland, Ohio can you guess what this picture is of? Loveland Museum Center will be doing more fun picture challenges for the community throughout the Summer! Check https://www.facebook.com/LovelandHistoricalMuseum/ for the photo challenge results!

    LAST WEEK MANY OF YOU CORRECTLY IDENTIFIED THE JACK FOR AN AUTOMOBILE. HOW MANY OF YOU WILL IDENTIFY THIS WEEK’S “WHAT IS THIS” CORRECTLY?

    Go to the Museum’s FaceBook page to submit you guess.

    The museum will be closed on weekends until further notice. Scheduled events are postponed indefinitely. Check here and Museum Center Web page for updates. The office will remain open part-time and phone messages and emails will be answered in a timely manner.

     

    Loveland, Ohio if you have been following or are a part of Vibe Fitness Loveland’s Fitness Challenge the winners are being announced shortly! Stay tuned to their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/vibefitloveland/ for the fitness challenge winners!

     

    Wow, check out these SUMMER flavors at Vibe Nutrition! Grab your favorite flavor today to cool down on the hottest day of the year!

    Vibe Nutrition

    @vibenutritionclub Smoothie & Juice Bar

     

    Steve and Julie Plitt, a local couple with strong ties to Loveland, Ohio are selling Pf5  Liquid Formula Hand Sanitizer in bulk!

    The Plitts offer Bulk, Totes, Cases, Individual Gallons, and Free Delivery to Southwest Ohio to combat viruses, germs, and bacteria!

    Kings Island announces 2020 Season opening dates

    An opening date for Soak City water park is to be determined…
    Kings Island announces 2020 Season opening dates
    Kings Island announces 2020 Season opening dates
    “Kings Island Park will open first to Season Passholders only, and will operate with stringent hygiene protocols, procedures to manage capacity and enable social distancing.”  Read on…

    New tees at RP Diamond

    As stores, restaurants, and boutiques begin to reopen, we want to remind everyone to support local businesses in any way you can! RP DIAMOND is offering “Support Local 45140” shirts online now! Show everyone how you support local business by rocking one of these awesome shirts around town!
    If you enjoyed reading the “Summer Salad” stay tuned for more Loveland local Summer fun updates and information!
  • Stuff-A-Cruiser July 21st

    Stuff-A-Cruiser July 21st

    by Terri Carter,

    Next Saturday, July 21st, the Loveland Police Department is sponsoring “Stuff-A-Cruiser” food drive for the L.I.F.E. (Loveland InterFaith Effort) Food Pantry. They will be stationed at the Kroger on Loveland-Madeira Road and will be accepting food donations from 9 AM – 1 PM.  Shoppers are encouraged to buy a few extra non-perishable food items, personal care products, or household cleaners – and then help Stuff-a-Cruiser!

    Please mark your calendar and plan on some Saturday morning shopping to help benefit those from our community in need of assistance.

    Thank You!

  • Loveland School’s donations serve more than 200 Loveland families during the holiday season

    Loveland School’s donations serve more than 200 Loveland families during the holiday season

    Loveland Intermediate School and Loveland Middle School students walked donations from their buildings down the street to the L.I.F.E. Pantry during the 2017 Pass-it-On drive, an annual tradition. (Provided Photo)

    Tiger Family helps to ‘Pass-it-On’ during annual food drive

    Loveland, Ohio – A Holiday Box with all of the fixings – decorative holiday napkins included – with enough food to serve families for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Hanukkah. That was the gift to more than 200 Loveland families thanks to a community pulling together, and a 17-year partnership between the Loveland City School District and Loveland L.I.F.E. Pantry. The Tiger Family donated nearly 8,000 items during the November Pass-it-On donation drive.

    “Thanks to the enormous efforts of our team working with the school – the teachers and students, parents, and police officers, the L.I.F.E. Pantry was able to serve 207 area families,” said L.I.F.E. Pantry Director Linda Bergholz. “The blessings of this community are abundant, and we are both humbled and grateful for the outpouring of our school community.”

    Families picked up the Holiday Boxes from the pantry on Saturday, Nov. 18. The pantry provided families with additional fresh items, some donated from area businesses, as well as gift certificates for the main course for the two meals. This year, the pantry also provided recipe cards for each family so they could make traditional holiday foods, like green bean casserole, sweet potatoes with marshmallows, and even hot cocoa with marshmallows, too – and clients could taste-test the delicious recipes at box pick-up.  

    “Our Preschool through fourth graders collected over 2,500 items towards making winter holiday meal baskets for families right here in our own district,” said Stacy Fitzgibbon, LEPTA Pass-it-On chairperson.

    “Our Preschool through fourth graders collected over 2,500 items towards making winter holiday meal baskets for families right here in our own district,” said Stacy Fitzgibbon, LEPTA Pass-it-On chairperson. “This is my third year helping with Pass-it-On, and the generosity this community exhibits with its time and resources always amazes me.”

    “For the 17th year, Pass-it-On has been a great partnership between Loveland Schools and L.I.F.E. Food Pantry,” said Lauren Aiello, M/INT Pass-it-On Chairperson. “The fifth through eighth grades at Loveland Intermediate School and Loveland Middle School collected over 5,200 items toward the holiday baskets. That is twice what was requested! Loveland’s generosity to its neighbors is inspiring, and shows just one aspect of our wonderful community. We couldn’t do any of this without the families taking part, teachers supporting our efforts, and the volunteers who help pull all of this together.”