SHELBY — The need for food assistance in Richland County is high and has increased since the pandemic. That's what retired steelworker Rich Banichar told members of the Shelby Area Democratic Club during their recent meeting.
Banichar's work in helping others less fortunate began with his membership in the United Steelworkers union. He and other members would participate in the USW bucket drives raising money to go to help the poor.
One of the organizations he now helps is Matthew 25, which provides free fresh produce to hundreds of families in Richland and Ashland counties through a monthly drive-thru at area locations such as Mansfield Senior High. They also provide monthly food boxes to seniors who qualify. For those who can’t get out, Banichar and others deliver the produce right to their door. Banichar said he delivers to as many as 60 households in the Shelby area each month.
He also works with a local farmer to give away his surplus product. That includes things like eggs, corn and a variety of produce. Over the past three years, Banichar estimates over 5,000 dozen eggs have been provided to area food pantries and individuals. Sometimes he’ll get a call to pick up on the weekend when the food pantries are not open. That’s when he gets in his truck and goes door to door in poorer neighborhoods to give it away.
Banichar is also a member of the Shelby Lions Club. As a project, the Club provides and serves a lunch each month at the People’s Pavilion, a project of People Helping People of North Central Ohio. The organization provides free lunches 365 days a year, rain or shine, to anyone who comes. The Pavilion is located on Bowman Street between Third and Fourth Streets in Mansfield. Banichar says though most of the clients are fortunate to have a roof over their head, many of them live out on the streets.
Banichar has found the people he serves to be proud and kind. He told the story of one woman to whom he delivered a dozen ears of corn that called him back to give him $5 for “his ministry.” An hour later, he was talking to a young man who had a bad turn of luck. He pulled out the $5 but the young man protested, not wanting to take Banichar’s last $5. Banichar said he loves the work he does and it is driven by his faith.
More club updates
In other business, Club Secretary Cindy Gordon read a letter from former Shelby City Councilman Garland Gates updating the Club on his and wife Patti’s new life in Vermont. All is well, Gates said. They have settled into their new home in the village of Bristol, population 1,936, and he has already become involved in the local Democratic Club there.
A report on May’s Truman-Kennedy Breakfast was given by Treasurer JC Elgin. The speaker, Ohio Supreme Court Justice Melody Stewart, brought in a record crowd, and the Club approved proceeds to go to supporting her campaign for re-election along with local Democratic candidates Emily Adams, running for state representative, the Rev. Aaron Williams, running for Richland County commissioner, and Chris Adams, running for Richland County clerk of courts.
Club President John Makley also spoke about the Club’s effort to get Shelby area residents together to meet the Democratic candidates. Called The Conversation Project, the gatherings will be small and intimate.
“It is an opportunity for attendees to not only listen to the candidates but also for the candidates to hear what the needs and issues are for the attendees," Makley said.
The Shelby Area Democratic Club meets the third Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. in the Sutter-Roush Room at the rear of 23 E. Main St. All Democrats and persons of good will are welcome to attend.
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