In recent years the city of Dayton has ranked among the top 5 hungriest cities in the U.S. and local groups are trying to combat the problem. On Thursday, one area church is participating in an annual food distribution program that takes place in various cities around the country.
The Salem Church of God in Clayton says this is the first time they have participated in Concord Share Day. About 400 local families in need will come to the church and pick up care packages that contain food, hygiene supplies, and children's books.
Kyle Hayes is the outreach pastor for Salem.
"We believe we exist for those outside of our walls, especially those in need, and West Dayton is one of the largest food deserts in the U.S. and we believe that we are called to combat that issue," he said.
Joining Salem Church in their efforts today is former U.S. Congressman, Tony Hall, now the director of The Alliance to End Hunger. Hall has been traveling back to Dayton in the last few months to help with programs like this one.
"We're going to have to turn things around, and we've got a good group of people to do it so I think we're going to do it."
Concord Share Day was started in 2009 by hotel developer Concord Hospitality Enterprises, and Feed the Children (FTC), a global non-profit, relief organization based in Oklahoma.
Salem Church will be distributing the care packages from 10am to 2pm Thusday, June 16th. Then on Saturday, July 9th, they will hold a 5K run/walk to combat hunger.
