Loveland, Ohio – The Life Food Pantry says their shelves are getting low and they are looking for neighborhood reps, sports teams, congregations, book clubs, businesses, and others to run food drives.
Please consider organizing a food drive and email fooddrives@lifefoodpantry.org to schedule a day and time to drop off donations (due to heavy client traffic it’s important to schedule a drop off).
All of the Shoppers Haven Shopping Center is getting a face lift. Inside this storefront will be a new Life Pantry.
Loveland, Ohio – “Exciting news to share” is how Connie Rotterman and Linda Bergholz described their recent press release from the LIFE Food Pantry.
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The current location of the Life Food Pantry in Shoppers Haven Shopping Center. The new location will be just to the right of Ace Hardware.
The LIFE Food Pantry was established in 1988 to help those in the 45140 area who suffer from food insecurity, and who need emergency financial assistance. As our client base has grown, we have periodically made changes to better serve them.
Due to pandemic issues in 2021, we moved from Prince of Peace Lutheran Church to our current location in Shoppers Haven across from the Loveland Primary and Elementary schools.
The increase in clients and the decision to change the format to a “choice pantry” (which allows clients the dignity to select their own food versus having volunteers select for them) were important changes that also permitted us to manage inventory better by avoiding giving out products the family didn’t like or couldn’t use.
Over the last three years, the need for our services has grown to the extent that our Board of Directors has determined the best course of action is to relocate to a larger space within the Shoppers Haven center.
We are pleased to share with you information about the upcoming move!
The families we serve almost doubled in four years, from 434 in 2019 to 856 in 2023. Our current space only allows for three clients to shop at a time. It’s quite challenging to serve large numbers of clients during our hours, causing volunteers to stay over their expected time.
Clients currently wait extended times outside to be served. The new space will have a waiting room where they can wait their turn with dignity and not wait outside in inclement weather and away from passersby.
Due to limited space in our back intake area, we have an off-site storage facility where products are stored as well as volunteers storing items in their homes. A larger space will eliminate the need for off-site storage, allow us to utilize our volunteers more effectively and most importantly have the necessary products within reach for our clients when needed.
When working with clients on financial assistance needs, the lack of privacy to discuss personal issues is a delicate and awkward situation; other clients as well as volunteers are within earshot. The new space provides a dedicated area where these conversations can be done privately, and clients can feel comfortable sharing information without distractions.
We are excited to stay in the same shopping center that is central to our clients and to have the space needed to accommodate our growing client base. We anticipate our move will happen mid-summer.
If you are interested in volunteering or helping us as we move forward, please reach out – 513.583.8222 or lifefoodpantry@yahoo.com. Thank you for your continued support!
LOVELAND, OHIO – This LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV video features David Miller with Loveland Magazine and Linda Bergholz the Executive Director of the LIFE Food Pantry. It was recorded on April 4, 2024 in the new space the LIFE Food pantry has acquired in Shoppers Haven Shopping Center for a significant expansion. Linda spoke about the need for more space and how it will allow the Pantry to better serve our neighbors in a more dignified way.
The Pantry is currently located in Shoppers Haven at 541 Loveland-Madeira Road, and the new space is next door to Ace Hardware. Clients currently wait extended times outside to be served. The new space will have a waiting room where they can wait their turn with dignity and not wait outside in inclement weather.
If you are interested in volunteering or helping as the expansion moves forward, please reach out – 513.583.8222 or lifefoodpantry@yahoo.com.
Loveland, Ohio – Foodbanks and food pantries throughout Ohio will again benefit from a settlement secured by the office of Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost over price discrepancies at a discount retailer’s stores – this one with Family Dollar.
The $400,000 agreement earmarks $250,000 for food banks or other similar charities to purchase and distribute food and personal-care items, with the beneficiaries chosen by Ohio’s 88 county auditors. Yost’s office recently entered into a $1 million settlement with Dollar General, with $750,000 of that distributed in December to auditor-selected food pantries.
Family Dollar, which was bought in 2015 by Virginia-based Dollar Tree, has 460 stores in Ohio.
On the heels of price discrepancies identified at Dollar General stores throughout Ohio, Family Dollar stores came under scrutiny from the county auditors, who are responsible for price verification at retail businesses.
Auditor inspectors found that Family Dollar was displaying prices on store shelves for certain items but charging higher prices at its registers.
As part of the settlement with the state, Family Dollar acknowledges violations of the Ohio Consumer Protection Sales Act.
In addition to paying monetary relief, Family Dollar must also make changes to ensure accurate pricing, including:
Adequately staffing stores to maintain accurate shelf tags.
Immediately adjusting the register price to match the shelf tag when a consumer identifies a discrepancy, and, within 24 hours, correcting the shelf tag.
Requiring store managers and district managers to conduct monthly and bimonthly random price checks.
Requiring stores with three “failed” auditor inspections within six months to undergo a full-store assessment within seven days of the third failed inspection – one that involves checking the price of every item for accuracy.
Educating all employees about these policies and posting signs in its Ohio stores informing customers of the same.
Although Dollar Tree was originally named in the state’s complaint against Family Dollar solely as Family Dollar’s parent company, it was dismissed from the lawsuit upon the state reaching a settlement agreement with Family Dollar.
Ohioans who suspect unfair business practices should contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at OhioProtects.org or 800-282-0515.
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LIFE is a faith and community supported organization that provides food, financial assistance, and programs to those experiencing hardship.
Since 1988, the Loveland Interfaith Effort (LIFE) Food Pantry has been serving the Greater Loveland community by providing food and support for those less fortunate. We currently provide much needed food to hundreds of families, stock snack shelves at the local schools for qualifying children, and even financial assistance for those in dire need.
Loveland, Ohio – The need for food and basic necessities continues to rise for our neighbors in need. You can help by picking up a few of these items on your next shopping trip. There is a drop-off box outside the front door to the pantry for your convenience.
Please save this image to your phone so it will be with you when you shop. Then, head straight to the pantry at 541 Loveland Madeira Road!
Talk about “pop-up” stores, here’s one for the books!
David Miller is the Managing Editor of Loveland Magazine
by David Miller
Loveland, Ohio – Terri Carter took time out of a very busy day while at the Avon-Miami Masonic Lodge next to Home of the Brave Park last Monday morning to tell me how the LIFE Food Pantry turned the entire space into their annual Christmas Giving Shop. Terri is the President of the Loveland Interfaith Effort, more commonly known as the Loveland LIFE Food Pantry.
LIFE is a faith and community-supported organization that provides food, financial assistance, and programs to those experiencing hardship. At the Giving Shop, one member of a household may shop for gifts for the entire family; underwear, socks, two articles of clothing, and an appropriate gift for each family member 18 and under. At the shop are toys for kids, teen gifts, gift cards, pajamas, and household family gifts such as a toaster, crockpot, coffeepot, bed linens, cookware, etc.
Please, Loveland community, lend an ear as Terri tells you about how this monumental endeavor took a village to be the most successful in her memory.
All of the staff and board members, Lodge members, and those who so generously put it all together should be smiling and patting themselves on the back right now and all through the holiday season. Thank you to all who so lavishly donated the marvelous Christmas presents for our Loveland children and their families!
About Avon-Miami Masonic Lodge
Avon-Miami No. 542 was formed when two prominent Masonic Lodges in the Cincinnati area merged. Miami No. 46 received its charter from the Grand Lodge of Ohio on January 7, 1818. Avon No. 542 received its charter from the Grand Lodge of Ohio on October 22, 1885. Both Lodges have enjoyed rich histories, complete with historically notable Brethren. Julius and Max Fleischmann were members of Avon No. 542. Julius was elected mayor of Cincinnati from 1900-1905. His brother Max was an industrialist who owned the famous Fleischmann Yeast & Gin Co. and sold the business in 1929 to the J.P. Morgan banking interests for … [ Read More ]
WCPO Weatherman Steve Raleigh was the guest emcee for the awards dinner
Chamber Board Member, Brian Garry was the Emcee for the Awards Dinner
Loveland, Ohio – On Thursday evening, November 16 the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance held their annual Awards dinner at the Oasis Conference Center. Chamber Board Member, Brian Garry was the Emcee for the evening and WCPO Weatherman Steve Raleigh was the Guest Emcee.
Kaitlyn Brennan is the site manager of Gigi’s Playhouse Cincinnati, the Emerging Business of the Year. She told attendees about the organization’s free educational, therapeutic-based, and career development programs for individuals with Down syndrome.
A raffle was held and the proceeds were divided between the Chamber’s scholarship fund and Gigi’s Playhouse Cincinnati. Kaitlyn Brennan is the site manager of Gigi’s Playhouse and made a presentation about their delivery of free educational, therapeutic-based, and career development programs for individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and the community, through a “replicable playhouse model”.
Emerging Business of the Year: Gigi’s Playhouse Cincinnati
Beautification Award: Loveland PaddleSports (Loveland Canoe and Kayak)
Community Involvement Award: The Works
Business Community Advocate Award: LIFE Food Pantry
Non-Profit of the Year: The Grail
Woman Owned Business of the Year: The 1859
Young Professional of the Year: Katie Taylor
Randy K. Stanifer Health, Wellness & Fitness Business of the Year: Gray Nutrition
Customer Service Award: Hometown Café
Community Responder Award: Loveland Legacy Foundation
Hidden Hero Award: Angels by the Trail
Chamber Choice Award: City of Loveland Public Works
Lift Up Loveland Award: Ralph Dunnigan
WCPO Weatherman Steve Raleigh was the guest emcee for the awards dinnerJimmy Hooper accepted the Customer Service Award given to Hometown CaféTasha Danzilo accepted the Community Involvement Award for The WorksShawn Hartness accepted the Chamber Choice Award on behalf of the City of Loveland Public Works DepartmentRalph Dunnigan received the “Lift Up Loveland Award”Mark and Robyn Bersani were awarded the Beautification Award for Loveland PaddleSports (Loveland Canoe and Kayak)President Martha Hadley accepted the Community Responder Award given to the Loveland Legacy FoundationThe Hidden Hero Award was accepted by founder, Stacey Lund for Angels by the TrailAngelo Veotte-Board President of Gigi’s Playhouse Cincinnati accepted the Emerging Business of the Year awardLinda Bergholz the Executive Director, accepted the Business Community Advocate Award for the LIFE Food PantryKate Harden the owner of The 1859 was recognized as Woman Owned Business of the Year.Katie Taylor, Owner of The Outsourced COO was chosen as the Young Professional of the YearJohn Zielke accepted the Business of the Year honor on behalf of Paxton’s GrillTerri Pucket accepted the Non-Profit of the Year award for The Grail
The silent auction still has a few items remaining. If you would like to bid or buy now, please CLICK. The auction benefits Gigi’s Playhouse and the chamber scholarship fund and is live until Monday, Nov 27.
David Miller is the Managing Editor of Loveland Magazine.
UPDATE: Loveland Schools reports that students and staff donated more than 6,000 food items.
Loveland, Ohio – I met Nancy Grant at the corner of Lebanon Road and Durango Drive right across from the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church this morning where she was directing traffic for the 22nd Annual Pass it On Food Drive. Hundreds of Loveland Intermediate School and Loveland Middle School students were carrying food to the church that they donated to the LIFE Food Pantry. The food will be packaged into Thanksgiving baskets for local residents and clients of the pantry.
The children walked about 3/4 mile to hand deliver the food.
The food drive was started by Nancy Grant to heal wounds after the terrorist attack on 9/11. The purpose is so that clients of the LIFE Food Pantry and other residents in the community can eat well at Thanksgiving and later in December.
Grant said twenty-two years ago, “Well, we can’t change the world, but we can change our little corner of it.” She had this idea to line up the kids down the street and pass the food donations one bag and box, hand-to-hand at a time to one another until it reached the church. A pay it forward so children could feel good about themselves. She thought it worked after 9/11 and has ever since. The students didn’t exactly “pass-it-on” to one another like they used to, but each carried their own donations to the church.
After the donations arrive, adult volunteers will sort, date-check, organize, and assemble a Thanksgiving meal box to go out to area families. The huge effort is to ensure that all our Loveland families and singles will have the items they need so they can sit down together and enjoy a traditional meal for the holiday.
Loveland, Ohio – Here is some recent activity at the Life Food Pantry.
Girl Scout Troop 45301 is AWESOME! They used their time and talent to generously fill 36 Weekend Bags to ensure no Loveland student goes hungry. BE LIKE TROOP 45301! Thank you all so much!
(Photos provided by LIFE Food Pantry Volunteers)
These are the boys of FC Storm B12 White. They are 10/11 year olds from Loveland, Indian Hill and Milford and they are HEROES! Check out the Weekend Bags these fine gents put together for the LIFE Pantry! We could not be more grateful. Thank you, team! You are AWESOME!
(Photos provided by LIFE Food Pantry Volunteers)
LIFE is a faith and community supported organization that provides food, financial assistance, and programs to those experiencing hardship.
Scheduling, set up, organizing the sorting and dating of donations. Stocking of pantry needs.
Communicating with donor organizations.
Inventory control of storage units and pantry.
Help organize the Pass It On Loveland School Drive for LIFE Holiday Food Baskets
LIFE FOOD PANTRY:
THIS WEEK’S PRIMARY NEEDS
FOOD: Beef Stew, Cereal, Chili, Chili Beans, Coffee, Cooking Oil, Cream of Chicken Soup, Flour, Hearty Soups, Manwich, Pasta, Potato Dishes, Rice Dishes HOUSEHOLD & PAPER GOODS: Laundry Detergent, Paper Towels, Tissues, Toilet Paper
PERSONAL CARE: Body Wash, Feminine Hygiene Products
Loveland, Ohio – You can enjoy warm soup, fresh bread, and decadent desserts provided by local sponsors, and take home a beautiful handmade pottery bowl donated by local artists, all for only $25. Proceeds benefit the Loveland LIFE Food Pantry.
We’d like to thank Laura Davis, her staff, and members of Core Clay for hosting two throw-a-thons to create bowls for our event. The process of creating these works of art is interesting – different base colors are used because they react with the glazes in different ways, and produce a variety of shades. The bowls created during the throw-a-thons will go through firing, glazing and firing again before complete. Join us for Empty Bowls to support LIFE pantry and take home your very own one-of a kind piece of art!
When: Saturday, October 14th
Two seatings are offered, 11 AM until 12:30 AM and 1 PM until 2:30 PM, while supplies last; each seating is limited to 150 people and the event is expected to sell out.
Where:
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church 101 South Lebanon Road, Loveland Ohio 45140
Extras:
You’ll also have an opportunity to win fabulous gift baskets donated by local businesses and the community by purchasing raffle tickets. If you purchase raffle tickets when you pre-register for the event, the cost is 6 tickets for $5, 12 tickets for $10, and 25 tickets for $20 (the cost goes up to $1 per ticket the day of the event). Take-home containers of soup will also be available while supplies last, for an additional cost.
If you are unable to attend but would like to donate to the LIFE Food Pantry, please click here
PROUDLY SERVING HUNDREDS OF LOCAL FAMILIES EACH MONTH
Since 1988, the Loveland Interfaith Effort (LIFE) Food Pantry has been serving the Greater Loveland community by providing food and support for those less fortunate. LIFE currently provides much-needed food to hundreds of families, stock snack shelves at the local schools for qualifying children, and even financial assistance for those in dire need.
![[WATCH] Loveland, you’ve out done yourselves this time](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/terri-carter.jpg)
Business of the Year: Paxton’s Grill
![[VIDEO] 22nd Annual Pass it On Food Drive](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/pass-it-on-2.jpg)
