Giovanni’s helping Harvest for the Hungry

Published 12:09 am Sunday, August 24, 2014

COAL GROVE — Sometimes all one has to do is ask.

When Harvest for the Hungry Director Diane Porter called the owner of the Coal Grove Giovanni’s and asked the owner if he would be willing to help the food pantry, he said yes.

“I was told that (Coal Grove Giovanni’s) often does that,” Porter said. “So I just called and asked and the owner said he was willing to help. It was as simple as that.”

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This Tuesday the Coal Grove Giovanni’s will donate 5 percent of its daily sales to Harvest for the Hungry.

John Suitor, owner of Coal Grove Giovanni’s, said his store often participates in “percentage sales” in an ongoing effort to give back to the community.

“I’ve always done these kinds of things,” he said. “The community takes care of us so I do what I can to take care of the community. I’ve never been the type of person who takes all the money and runs to the bank. I like to give back.”

Porter is “pleased and excited” about the partnership and said any donation to Harvest for the Hungry is needed.

“We spend between $2,000 and $2,500 a month on food,” she said. “Right now it’s really tough because it’s harvest time so I can’t get green beans and corn. Times like this when we have to buy canned food on the open market at 49 cents a can instead of getting an entire pallet of canned food for $2.50 if not free through the Ohio Food Program makes the money situation even tighter.”

Harvest for the Hungry at 120 N. Fifth St. is a faith-based community food pantry that provides emergency food for those in need.