Several pantries run and operated by Lutheran Social Services will soon begin utilizing technology to help clients order and receive nonperishable food items.
Jennifer Hamilton with Lutheran Social Services says the city’s west side pantry on north Wilson road will permanently close Friday to transition to an online and mobile delivery model.
The new concept will allow clients to login to an online portal where they can place their monthly order for nonperishable and personal care items.
Those items are then boxed and delivered to one of seven recreation center pickup sites. While at the pickup sites, clients can then shop for fresh meats and produce with the assistance of a pantry volunteer.
“The savings that we identified through this new system, will be placed back into purchasing food and getting produce for clients.”
In all five "traditional" store front pantries between central and southeast Ohio will close their doors.
Hamilton says clients who may need assistance navigating the website or clients without access to the internet can call the LSS Help Desk at 877-LSS-MEAL. Volunteers will be available weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.