Four local companies donated $500 each Tuesday afternoon to the Muskingum County Hunger Network, helping the agency secure additional funds to provide food for the local food pantries and meal programs in the community.

Pappy’s Towing, Quinlan’s Towning, Dave’s Custom Lettering, and A-One Towing all presented their checks to the Hunger Network outside Secrest Auditorium to Zanesville Assistant Fire Chief Doug Hobson.

“We’re really blessed. Muskingum County always comes through,” said Hobson when discussing the outreach from individuals and companies to step up and help fill the need in the community.

The Hunger Network works with 14 different food pantries and four hot meal programs in the community, and each Wednesday representatives from the agencies can pick up the food they need from the stockpile.

Support is needed as expenses are growing to serve food to those in need. Christ’s Table, for example, has seen its cost per meal balloon from $0.25 to $0.50 on average as all meals must be served in to-go containers, adhering to the governor’s orders which prevents Christ’s Table from having a dine-in service.

Many organizations are also seeing increased demand as individuals lose their jobs or face uncertain financial situations.

The Hunger Network is asking for non-perishable food donations this Friday from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. at Secrest Auditorium. Canned vegetables are especially needed at this time.

As Hobson ended his request for donations he added, “We is greater than me, and help us help others,” as he often does in his Facebook Live Videos highlighting the work of the Hunger Network to make sure no one goes hungry in the community.