Senator Sean J. O'Brien collaborated with Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley and passed out produce at Yankee Lake in Brookfield, Wednesday morning.

The produce is to help the need for food assistance for families struggling as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Assorted fresh produce and a variety of nonperishable food items were handed out to the families. 

"I am proud to work with the Second Harvest Food Bank on this important program which is doing so much to help our community," said O'Brien. "This ongoing pandemic is exacerbating already existing food insecurities among families who call the Valley home, so those of us who are able, need to do our part to chip in and assist our neighbors in need."

Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley, a member of Feeding America, provides food to those in need in the tri-county area through 160 programs offered through hunger-relief organizations, including church and school pantries, homeless shelters, soup kitchens, and shelters for battered women.

In 2019, Second Harvest distributed a record 11.5 million pounds of food, including 3.4 million pounds of produce. 

"We're very appreciative of the continued support of the Mahoning Valley in order to make sure our friends and neighbors have food on their tables," said Second Harvest Food Bank Executive Director Mike Iberis.