Camdyn Deak, front, Lola Stoller and Lincoln Stoller assisted auctioneer Brian Weirich during the live auction during Gobble Up Hunger, Milford Food Bank’s annual fall fundraiser. See photos and story on page Photo by Lauren Zeugner

Text and photos
By Lauren Zeugner
InkFreeNews

MILFORD  — While preliminary numbers are still being crunched, it looks like Gobble Up Hunger, the Milford Food Bank’s annual event, may have hit its goal of raising $50,000.

Gobble Up Hunger, which includes a fun run/walk dinner, bake sale and live and silent auctions was held Saturday, Nov. 1.

“It’s a well-oiled machine,” said Angie Deak, development director.

The live and silent auctions raised over $10,000.

Teresa Hartman, left, and Gail Schrock share a laugh as they look over the items, which went on the auction block for Gobble Up Hunger Saturday, Nov. 1

The live auction had 52 items come up for bid with several, such as a whole home service package and a theater package from Blue Gate Theater, went extremely well.

The silent auction, which had 30 items, was a hybrid, which Deak said was a first for the food bank. Rather than having each item have a clipboard and pen where bidders had to write down their bid and be on hand to continue bidding, bidding took place online. Those attending the auction simply had to download a QR code so they could bid on the items they were interested in.

“I think it went well,” Deak said.

She explained bidding online offered those who couldn’t attend in person an opportunity to participate.

The fun run which included. 1/2 mile, 1 mile or 2 mile race, also saw an increase in participation. Brian Shepherd, race coordinator, said approximately 160 people participated in the event, about 30 more than last year.

“It’s the most we ever had,” he said. “Huge shout out to PolyWood who brought 34 participants.”

Nichole Pangelinan, along with Fairfield Cosmetology students, Yamilet Macias, Shelby Miller, Addrianne Hollar, Delilah Howley and Monica Slabaugh, served up tacos with all the fixings at Gobble Up Hunger Saturday night, Nov. 1.

In addition to the race/walk and two auctions, there was a dinner, T-shirt sales, and a bake sale that evening as well as many people made donations.

Funds raised through Gobble Up Hunger will go toward the food bank’s operations. Deak explained those funds will go toward keeping the lights on and trucks on the road as the food bank rescues food from retailers scattered across northern Indiana, southern Michigan and western Ohio.

Deak explained rescuing food means the food bank collects food from retailers that may be short dated, meaning it’s best by or sold by date is coming up, although sometimes those dates are a year away. Or the retailer has overstock or there is damaged packaging.

“Typically, that food would be tossed. Instead of tossing it, we rescue it because we have people who are hungry,” she said.

That food is provided to food pantries for free or at greatly reduced costs.

Milford Food Bank currently serves 226 food pantries with a short wait list the board of directors hopes will be eliminated once the new building is completed.

The Mendoza brothers, Luciano, left, Vicente and Eduardo, share a laugh as they enjoy dinner at Gobble Up Hunger held Saturday, Nov. 1.

The Milford Food Bank serves food pantries in northern Indiana, southern Michigan and western Ohio.

Anyone can get involved with the food bank through donations, in-kind donations for the new building or by volunteering. Deak said the food bank currently has 60-70 volunteers who help out and more volunteers are welcome.