CINCINNATI – April 6, 2020 – Catholic Charities Southwestern Ohio and the Ohio Tri County Food Alliance (OTCFA) have completed transfer of the operation of the Second Harvest Food Bank of Clark, Champaign and Logan Counties to the OTCFA, an independent non-profit formed in 2019. Catholic Charities founded the Second Harvest Food Bank services in 1981 and it became the area’s major source of food for the hungry for 39 years. Catholic Charities made the decision in 2017 to transfer the operation to a local based organization that could focus solely on the operation of a food bank. The food bank delivered over 4 million meals in 2019 to thousands of local families and the need is increasing.

The Second Harvest food bank warehouse and offices on Columbia Street had been acquired by Catholic Charities at an original cost of $1.4 million. It was determined that these buildings should continue to be dedicated to provide food and service to local families. The buildings were donated to Ohio Tri County Food Alliance in 2018 by Catholic Charities. The food bank’s operating equipment and fixtures that originally cost $681,000 were recently donated to OTCFA to complete the final transfer.

Ted Bergh, CEO of Catholic Charities, “We are glad that the Ohio Tri County Food Alliance will continue the mission of feeding the hungry performed by Catholic Charities for 39 years. We were pleased to donate the buildings and equipment to contribute to their future success.”

Catholic Charities announced that it will continue to provide food assistance by sponsoring a monthly Mobile food pantry in each of the three counties – Clark, Champaign, and Logan Counties.
Maureen Massaro, OTCFA Board President, “We very much appreciate Catholic Charities’ donation of the building, fixtures, and equipment, and we are grateful they have worked with us to ensure a smooth transition. Accepting these donations enables us to continue to serve the hungry in Clark, Champaign, and Logan Counties. Remaining in our current location allows us to avoid interruptions and expenses which would be devastating, especially at this time of unprecedented need.”

About Us

Catholic Charities Southwestern Ohio is a United Way Agency Partner that serves the poor, protects the vulnerable and welcomes the stranger locally regardless of their religious background or country of origin.

Our mission is enabled by the generosity of donors and volunteers. Together, we serve and bring hope to more than 10,000 people each year. Visit www.ccswoh.org to learn more.