Funding sliced, but need remains for food vouchers

By Ed Balint
CantonRep.com staff writer
Posted Apr 27, 2010 @ 09:35 PM
Last update Apr 27, 2010 @ 11:32 PM

CANTON, OH — The demand remains high for the city’s food voucher program. But the city and church heading the effort are not handing out as many vouchers this year due to funding constraints.

Last year, the city provided $50,000 in Community Development Block Grant funding. A tighter budget has decreased that amount to $25,000 for the current Canton Cares Food Voucher Program, which started Tuesday and continues Thursday at Trinity Gospel Temple.

The church is contributing $5,000 to the program. Last year, with help from other churches, Trinity Gospel provided a higher amount. The Rev. Dave Lombardi of Trinity Gospel said the amount was lowered because Trinity and many other churches are financially strained.

Cathedral of Life and Dueber United Methodist Church both are assisting with the program, Lombardi said.

The city and churches expect to hand out 1,500 vouchers worth $20 each to city residents to be used at two Fishers Foods locations.

“Just imagine, all we’re doing is giving them a $20 voucher, and they’re so grateful with tears in their eyes,” Lombardi said.

Read the complete story at http://www.cantonrep.com/topstories/x43875643/Funding-sliced-but-need-remains-high-for-food-vouchers