News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area
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Since 2004
Loveland, Ohio – The LIFE Food Pantry says while they know they can’t do zero, they have cut down on waste by composting, sharing with some neighborhood chickens, and doing recycling.
The Loveland InterFaith Effort (LIFE) is a faith and community supported organization that provides food, financial assistance and programs to those experiencing hardship in the greater Loveland area. Read More and find out how you can receive food assistance or volunteer.
by Cassie Mattia
Loveland, Ohio – Foodies from all over came together to enjoy local food trucks, vendors, and superb live entertainment on Saturday at Shopper’s Haven Plaza for the 8th Annual Loveland Food Truck Rally!
Me being the Food Guru I am, I couldn’t miss out on all the local cuisine, so I grabbed my boyfriend and enjoyed a beautiful walk from Downtown Loveland to Shopper’s Haven Plaza.
As Adam and I inched closer to the Food Truck Rally we were beyond impressed with the 24 Food Trucks lined along the plaza welcoming the community as they selected their food truck of choice! Included in all the fun were inflatables for children to play on, face painting and henna tattoos, vendor booths in which local businesses/organizations, like LIFE Food Pantry and Garden City Chiropractic, were able to share their story with the community, exciting give-away raffles, and a stage in which 3 different entertainment groups, Premier Dance and Tumbling, Minar and Sowers, and The Dan Varner Band, were able to perform while many stopped to watch to cheer them on.
Those who attended the Food Truck Rally were able to bring in their own “Tailgating” set-up so that they could safely and comfortably enjoy the atmosphere and of course the most important part; the food. Take a look at the video below for a glimpse into the 2021 Loveland Food Truck Rally!
After going to the last few Food Truck Rallies I have learned that the best way to take in all the Food Trucks is to start from the first truck and slowly but surely make your way to each and every one. Me being the journalist I am I have gotten into the habit of documenting each Food Truck and what they bring to the table so that by the time I get to the last Food Truck I know exactly which ones I’m going to try!
This year the Food Truck Rally had a little something for everyone! From the unique flavor combinations from Kona Ice to the Texas Joe award-winning Brisket, not one community member came out of the Rally empty-handed. Being Vegan, each year I am always curious as to what Food Trucks will be representing those with a plant-based lifestyle, and to my pleasant surprise, I had several options to choose from.
One of my favorite Vegan Food Truck options was Just Jerks Jamaican Grill. Just Jerks specialized in “Rice Boxes” and Tacos with a little Jamaican flair! I decided to go with the Veggie Rice Box, which included Plantains, Jamaican rice and beans, sauteed veggies, and Caribbean slaw. The Plantains were to die for as they melted right in my mouth when I took my first bite. Jenn’s HOT Tamale Food Truck also had some great Latin street eats for Vegans as they featured both sliders and tacos with Zucchini substituted as the protein!
Although many are now moving towards a plant-based lifestyle, the Loveland Food Truck Rally had more than enough options for the meat-lovers out there!
East Coast Eatz represented a blacked-out style Food Truck offering a variety of cheesesteaks, chicken subs, and street tacos. Rock n Rolls displayed a vintage speaker on their Food Truck and specialized in Tots (Goetta and Buffalo Chicken), Egg Rolls, and Wraps including an Orange Ginger Chicken combo. Mama Bear’s Mac ended up being my boyfriend’s Food Truck dinner choice as he ordered the Flamin’ Jack Grilled Cheese. Even though I couldn’t try the grilled cheese, my boyfriend said and I quote, “My mouth is on fire, but for some reason, I can’t stop eating this!”
Of course after a filling yet scrumptious dinner you have to get something sweet, right? That simply is a no-brainer for me. The Food Truck Rally had so many sweet options that I believe some of those that attended the Rally skipped dinner and went straight for dessert! The legendary Loveland Dairy Whip brought their mobile truck, serving up only the creamiest soft serve you can imagine, while Funnel Vision offered 10 creative funnel cake creations ranging from Maple Bacon to Tooty Fruity to Salted Caramel Pretzel.
I decided to go with Sweet Maize Kettle Corn being the popcorn lover I am. I was anticipating an average-sized bag of Kettle Corn but when my boyfriend went to order it for me he came back with a 13-pound bag of Kettle Corn! Needless to say, I’m still working on finishing the bag. There have already been a couple of nights where I have woken up the next morning with the bag of Kettle Corn laying right next to my pillow! I think that describes how fantastic Sweet Maize Kettle Corn tastes.
Cincinnati’s Graeter’s also brought their Food Truck, which of course you can’t go wrong with a couple of scoops of their infamous Black Raspberry Chip, while The Cheesecakery made an appearance again this year featuring Oreo, Birthday Cake Batter, White Chocolate Raspberry, Original with Lemon Creme, and Chocolate Silk as their cheesecake flavors.
All 24 Food Trucks present at the Annual Food Truck Rally went above and beyond to serve up only the best street food to those wanting to support the individuals working within the Food Trucks’ passions. Little Miami River Chamber of Alliance President, Cee Cee Collins said the feedback from the community this year was out of this world.
“Loveland is back open! We had the largest attendance we have ever had for the 2021 Loveland Food Truck Rally,” Collins said, “The feedback we are receiving is amazing. Everyone feels it was a fantastic day all around; great weather, great music, great company, and GREAT FOOD! We want to see any guests come back soon and visit all of the businesses throughout our area over the summer months.”
Meredith Taylor, Little Miami River Chamber of Alliance Program Director, couldn’t agree more with Collins, as she said she couldn’t thank the community of Loveland enough for all of their support.
“It was an amazing day and night! Thanks to so many of the community members who came out to support us. The food trucks, vendors and entertainment had a blast and we can’t wait for the next one,” Taylor said, “Loveland is a special place and we are honored to serve you and the business community!”
If you missed out on the Loveland Food Truck Rally’s musical guests or you would just like to reminisce on all the fun you had watching, check out the videos below!
Thank you to all those who supported, helped, and served up delicious food at this year’s Annual Loveland Food Truck Rally! We are so lucky to be a part of a community that enjoys spending time together while supporting one another’s passions. I for one can’t wait until next year’s Food Truck Rally as well as all of the fun and exciting things to come this summer in Loveland as we safely transition back to a bit of normalcy!
Be sure to stay tuned to all things delicious with Me, Cassie the Food Guru, as I take on the absolute best cuisine in the area and share it with YOU our loyal Loveland Magazine readers! Enjoy the photos I captured at the 2021 Loveland Food Truck Rally below!
Click on an image to enlarge.
Enjoying my Food Guru articles? Click below to read up on Rodi Italian, Paxton’s Grill, and The Works Pizza!
Dear Loveland Magazine Readers,
The LIFE Food Pantry is so excited to be open to clients doing Choice Pantry shopping instead of curbside pickup! Clients will bring their own bags and make their selections with a personal shopper—fresh produce, dairy, bakery items and meats are available along with shelf stable canned and packaged items such as pasta and sauce, soup, rice and so much more. LIFE also offers household and personal care items.
In addition, LIFE has changed their service from every 28 days to every 14, so clients can come twice a month, making the most of the fresh items.
LIFE is located at 541 Loveland Madeira Rd. in the Shopper’s Haven Plaza, serving all of the 45140 ZIP code area. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10 AM until noon as well as Tuesday/Thursday 4 PM until 6:30 PM.
Please email lifefoodpantry@yahoo.com or call 513-583-8222 for additional information or questions. And remember—we are having our annual Feed the Hungry campaign currently—just a small monthly recurring donation helps so many in need!
Sincerely,
Linda Bergholz, Director
 Since 2006 this amazing community effort has been the primary fundraiser to sustain LIFE Food Pantry and our vital services depended upon by hundreds of local families. Join us this year in raising awareness and donations from April 18th – May 15th! YOUR IMPACT A donation can provide so much assistance to our neighbors in need. Dedicate a monthly gift to the food pantry and become a LIFE Preserver! Our goal for this year’s campaign is to gain 500 sustaining supporters of LIFE so that we are able to adequately care for our community. Help us help our neighbors — click on the link below and become a LIFE Preserver!  $5 Friend Level: Provide a weekend bag to a student! $10 Steward Level: Buy a child’s lunch for one week! $25 Patron Level: Afford soup to a senior for a month! $50 Altruist Level: Furnish eggs for 50 families for a week! $100 Benefactor Level: Feed a family for an entire month! I want to support the LIFE Food Pantry  OUR COMMUNITY’S NEED Thousands of our neighbors are in need of food assistance. LIFE Food Pantry has been the primary provider to the Greater Loveland and 45140 community since 1988. We offer a staggering amount of support that includes deliveries to senior citizens, after-school and weekend nutrition for students, and meals and financial aid to local families.  LIFE’S COMMITMENT The past year has certainly posed challenges for our community and increased demand for food assistance. LIFE responded by serving more meals to more individuals than ever before. We expanded hours, increased services, and enhanced programs. LIFE even opened a larger pantry space and acquired our first delivery vehicle to serve our neighbors better. |
CORPORATE PARTNERS Being part of LIFE’s Feed The Hungry Campaign aids our food pantry while raising awareness of your business’ values and dedication to the community. We will be spotlighting our partners in a variety of ways: weekly email blasts, printed literature, social media, PR campaign, and through neighborhood connections. Please join us in making this fundraiser a success in such a critical time! Choose a level below and click subscribe to become a LIFE Preserver! READ MORE HERE IN OUR CORPORATE PARTNERS BROCHURE |
by Cassie Mattia
Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland community is welcoming Nancy Garfinkel home with open arms after spending several days in the ICU.
Garfinkel has been a staple in the Sweetheart of Ohio for years spending countless hours giving back to the community time and time again. Recently Garfinkel was hospitalized due to the effects COVID-19 had on her health. Close friend and Executive Director of LIFE Food Pantry Linda Bergholz shared that at one point during Garfinkel’s time in the ICU she was put on a ventilator.
“It was quite a scary experience for Nancy,” Bergholz said, “She is a well-loved institution in our community. Nancy volunteers for EVERYTHING in Loveland! She is a huge part of LIFE Food Pantry, she helps with Granny’s Gardens, she does landscaping for various places including Branch Hill Coffee. Nancy is also involved with the Loveland Women’s Club and would have been selected to be a Valentine Lady as she has been nominated multiple times but is usually in Florida during February,” Bergholz added.
According to many residents in Loveland, Garfinkel is known and loved by nearly everyone in the community!
“Because Nancy is so loved at LIFE we decided to plan a ‘We love you Nancy’ parade past her house on Saturday, February 6th,” Bergholz said, “She’s so active and vibrant that staying at home and being on oxygen is really rough on her and we want her to feel supported. We are all so grateful that she pulled through!”
Anyone who would like to join the “We love you Nancy” parade hosted by LIFE Food Pantry can meet the group at Ohio Valley Voices at 2 PM on Saturday, February 6th. Departure for Garfinkel’s neighborhood, which is in Miami Trails, will be at 2:10 PM.
You can donate today
541 Loveland-Madeira Road, Loveland, Ohio 45140
(513) 583-8222
FOOD PANTRY HOURS
SUNDAY: Closed
MONDAY: Closed
TUESDAY: 10–12, 4–6:30
WEDNESDAY: 10–12
THURSDAY 10–12, 4–6:30
FRIDAY: 10–12
SATURDAY: 10–12
Loveland, Ohio – Loveland Interfaith Effort LIFE shared these helpful hints from a Food Bank Volunteer on Facebook:
√ Everyone donates Kraft Mac & Cheese in the box. But it needs milk & butter which is hard to get from food banks.
√ Boxed Milk is a treasure. Kids need it for cereal, which they get a lot of.
√ Everyone donates pasta sauce & spaghetti noodles.
√ Canned Foods should be Pop Tops OR donate Can Openers.
√ Oil is a luxury needed for Rice a Roni which they get a lot of.
√ Spices, Salt & Pepper are a real gift.
√ Tea bags & Coffee are caring gifts.
√ Sugar & Flour are treats.
√ Important are fresh produce donated by farmers & grocery stores.
√ Seeds are great in spring & summer because growing can be easy for some.
√ Rarely is there fresh meat.
√ Tuna & Crackers make a good lunch.
√ Hamburger Helper goes nowhere without ground beef.
√ They get lots of peanut butter and jelly but NEED sandwich bread.
√ Butter or Margarine are good.
√Eggs are a commodity!
√ Cake mix & Frosting makes it possible to make a child’s birthday cake.
√ Dishwashing Detergent is very expensive & is always appreciated.
√ Feminine hygiene products are a luxury & women will cry over them.
√ Everyone loves Stove Top Stuffing
√ Grocery store gift cards give people the dignity of choosing what they need most
Promoted Post
Loveland, Ohio – RP Diamond Printing & Embroidery and Jarvis Global Investments are once again collecting NEW and UNWRAPPED TOYS along with CANNED GOODS to donate to the LIFE Food Pantry.
Donations can be dropped off at RP Diamond Printing & Embroidery located at 368 Loveland-Madeira Rd. Monday-Friday 11:00-6:00, Saturday 11:00-3:00. We will be collecting now through Saturday, December 19.
If you prefer a curbside drop off just pull up out front and give us a call at 513-583-8447 and we will be glad to come out and accept your donation.
David Terry says, “Happy Holidays from all of us here at RP Diamond and Jarvis Global Investments.”
Miami Township, Ohio – Today, the Neighborhood Network of Miami Trails’ held their first ever drive-through toy drive benefiting local children through Loveland’s LIFE Food Pantry.
Nicole Kormos said this afternoon, “That’s a wrap! It was a busy but successful day.”
The event was specially designed to offer the subdivision neighbors a “COVID-friendly” family giving experience for the holidays. Neighbors came through a convenient drop-off line to give their un-wrapped gift donations and dollars, receive some fun holiday goodies including hot chocolate, candy canes, reindeer treats, and waved to Santa. His wife was there too.
“Overall, we had more than 60 families donate around 150 new toys that will benefit Loveland’s LIFE Food Pantry,” said Kormos.
The neighbors used SignUpGenius to select a child’s age and gender so everyone knew which age appropriate gifts to shop for and so there would’t be too many duplicates. It was sort of a Dear Santa letter with a wish list to shop from.
Learn more about the LIFE Food Pantry and how you too can help.
Photos provided by Nicole Kormos
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!
Stay tuned to get more “Loveland Salad” with Me, Cassie Mattia!