Editor’s note: The story has been updated to reflect the most recent information.
In the midst of the coronavirus epidemic, there are still many resources in the area for those in need.
Resources for OU students:
The CATS Cupboard Food Pantry will remain open for students in Athens and is currently making plans for food donations to students moving out of residence halls. Updates can be found here.
Raccoon Creek Outfitters, an outdoor equipment shop in Albany, 74815 U.S. Highway 50, is opening its doors to college students regardless of their ability to pay.
“We will make sure you have plenty of food and drinks. We understand that you have no funds, that is completely fine, we've got you. You are not alone.” Bobbi Hoy, owner of Raccoon Creek Outfitters, said on Facebook. Hoy asked students in need to contact her.
Charter will offer free Spectrum internet to K-12 and college students who do not already have access, according to a Charter press release. Installation fees will be waived, and services will be free for 60 days.
Resources for Athens residents:
The Athens County Food Pantry will be open during its normal hours, according to its Facebook page. It will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at its usual location, the Athens County Job and Family Services building, 13183 State Route 13, Millfield.
The Southeastern Ohio Foodbank has a list of food pantries available to those in Athens County that can be found on its website.
In addition to this, the food bank will be hosting two mobile distribution centers in Athens. One center will be at the Athens County Fairgrounds, 286 W. Union St., from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, and the other will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Trimble High School, 1 Tomcat Drive, on Friday. Personal contact at the center will be at a minimum, and those receiving will not have to leave their cars.
United Appeal Athens County has a community research directory available for Athens residents, which includes information about food pantries and other resources.
Mutual Aid Southeast Ohio, a grassroots organization of concerned citizens, is looking to centralize volunteer efforts and provide help to those in need during this time. It has a Google form to match those who are looking for need or looking for help with resources.
Athens County residents in need of assistance can contact the Athens County Emergency Food Line at 1-800-338-4484 to find out if they are eligible to receive a food box and to find the closest location to pick up a box of food.
United Campus Ministry will have its regular Thursday Supper until further notice, but the meal will be take-out. The meal will be available Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. For those with additional food needs, UCM encourages people to call 740-593-7301 or email lacey@ucmathens.org.
Resources for pet owners:
The Athens County Humane Society and Friends of the Shelter Dogs will be teaming up to offer pet food assistance in the next few months as things get tough. They encourage those who need pet food health to contact petfoodhelp@athenshumane.org.
Resources for K-12 Students:
The Ohio University Inn, 331 Richland Ave., Athens, will be offering free peanut butter sandwiches Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Wings Over in Athens, 33 N. Court Street, is providing one free meal to each K-12 child per day during operating hours.
The Tri-County Career Center will be distributing breakfast bags that include five days’ worth of breakfast items like Pop-Tarts, fruit and cereal at the Nelsonville Public Library, 95 W. Washington St., Nelsonsville, starting at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, March 16, and will be available for any K-12 student.
Avalanche Pizza is giving out lunch to kids at The Plains Public Library, 14 S. Plains Road, The Plains, and the Chauncey Public Library, 29 Converse St., Chauncey, at noon Monday. The meals will include a semolina focaccia sandwich with roast beef, turkey, Genoa salami, provolone cheese, pickle, lettuce and tomato, PB&J Sandwich with tortilla chips and a fruit cup. More info can be found here on their Facebook page.
The Pub Bar and Grill, 39 N. Court St., will be offering children and those who do not know where their next meal will be coming from a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a ham and cheese sandwich or a turkey and cheese sandwich every day from noon to 2 p.m. while supplies last.
Though schools are closed, school breakfast and lunch programs will continue, and grab-and-go meals are available for students.
This list is not complete. Please contact Taylor at tb040917@ohio.edu with any additional information on these programs and services or other programs and services you would like included on this list.
