In support of the “Nourishing Our Neighbors” campaign, OhioHealth has donated $100,000 to the Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio food pantries. The gift will go toward operating the LSS Delaware County Food Pantry, which is celebrating its first year of operation today.

“OhioHealth is proud to partner with Lutheran Social Services in supporting the LSS Delaware County Food Pantry,” said Steve Bunyard, president of Dublin Methodist Hospital and Grady Memorial Hospital. “This partnership allows us the opportunity to support our community and continue to fulfill our mission to improve the health of those we serve.”

“We appreciate the support of OhioHealth in helping the LSS Food Pantries serve people who are hungry in Delaware County,” said Brad Draper, corporate director of food pantry services. “This gift will ensure thousands of neighbors will be able to feed nutritious meals to their families this year.”

The Nourishing Our Neighbors campaign had a goal of raising $1 million to support opening and operating a new fixed site and mobile pantry to serve Delaware County neighbors who are in need of food. With this gift from OhioHealth, this goal has been realized, according to LSS.

An event is planned from 4 to 6 p.m. today at the Delaware pantry to celebrate the gift as well as the first anniversary of the pantry. A short program, which will include representatives from OhioHealth, will begin at 4:45 p.m.

Since its opening on Aug. 5, 2014, 2,237 families have been served by the LSS Delaware County Food Pantry, equaling more than 260,115 meals to people who may have otherwise gone hungry, according to LSS. According to 2011 U.S. Census estimates, 13 percent of Delaware County residents qualify for food pantry assistance.

The LSS Food Pantries are a member of the Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio family. LSS provides food pantries, homeless shelters, domestic violence services, senior living, affordable housing communities, and other programs and services.