Event provides free groceries for Thanksgiving dinner, wellness resources for the community
Vinton, Ohio (November 21, 2024) - Gallia County Local Schools invites families and community members to join a celebration of health, well-being, and thankfulness at the "Healthy Meals for Healthy Minds" event on Saturday, November 23, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Vinton Elementary School, 123 Keystone Road, Vinton, Ohio 45686.
Just in time for Thanksgiving, this event combines the spirit of gratitude with a focus on physical and mental well-being for the community.
To educate attendees about the benefits of nutrition, the event will provide a variety of complimentary resources including:
Free groceries: All the essentials for a complete, nourishing Thanksgiving feast.
Wellness resources: Insights from community organizations on nutrition, mental health, and the critical link between healthy eating and overall wellness.
Health screenings: Critical services like blood pressure checks, flu shots, and nutritional guidance to help community members on the road to healthy living.
“We are pleased to bring the first Healthy Meals for Healthy Minds event to Vinton in Gallia County as we work to promote the link between healthy eating and mental health,” said Randy Leite, executive director of the Appalachian Children Coalition, co-sponsor of the event. “I am so grateful for the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services for their support for this event. I also appreciate the support of our co-sponsors - the Joe Burrow Foundation and the Gallia Jackson Meigs ADAMH Board as well as the Gallia Local Schools, the Kroger Company, and all our participating organizations in putting the event together.”
Access to nutritious food is essential for families to thrive. A balanced diet supports physical health, enhances mental clarity, and improves emotional wellness, creating a foundation for children and adults alike to lead happier, healthier lives.
But for many families, barriers such as cost and accessibility can make obtaining healthy food challenging, particularly during the holidays. This event addresses those challenges by providing resources that promote both immediate assistance and long-term wellness strategies to the community.
“We are so happy to be a part of the Healthy Meals for Healthy Minds event,” says Robin Burrow, secretary & treasurer of the Joe Burrow Foundation. “Supporting children and families in Southeast Ohio in the areas of food insecurity and youth mental health is the focus of our foundation. Eating nutritious food is the first step in putting your best foot forward toward success, both physically and mentally.”
Event Details
When: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Vinton Elementary School, 123 Keystone Road, Vinton, OH 45686
Participating organizations include: AmeriHealth Caritas Mobile Wellness Bus, Buckeye Hills Career Center, CareSource, Easter Seals, Field of Hope, Gallia County Health Department, Gallia County Help Me Grow, Gallia County Hope Coalition, Gallia Jackson Meigs Mental Health Board, Health Recovery Services, Hopewell Health Centers, Integrated Services for Behavioral Health, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio University Registered Dietetics, Ohio University Audiology, and University of Rio Grande.
“Healthy food choices can truly make a difference for everyone,” added Leite. “It can lead to so many positive outcomes and that’s what we’re here for – giving our community access to the tools and resources that can make lasting impact.”
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About The Appalachian Children Coalition
The Appalachian Children Coalition (ACC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of children across Ohio’s 32-county Appalachian region. Driven by a mission to uplift children’s lives through collaborative advocacy and strategic investments, ACC has forged impactful partnerships since 2020. These partnerships have enabled the redirection of resources toward a robust support infrastructure tailored to the region’s unique child needs. ACC’s initiatives focus on behavioral health workforce development prevention education, school-based health services, and regional responsiveness, comprehensively addressing the diverse needs of children in the communities it serves. Operating as advocates for those serving children, ACC remains resolute in ensuring every Appalachian Ohio child has equitable access to resources for holistic development and well-being. For more information visit: www.appchildren.org.