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NNEMAP - Near North Emergency Naterial Assistance Program
NNEMAP started in 1969 from the efforts of a single family that felt the calling to relieve some of the hardship of their neighbors in the near-north area of Columbus. As others became involved, it grew into an organization supported by over 40 area church congregations and many private-sector businesses. it is now one of the largest food pantries in Franlin County.
NNEMAP distributes food to more than 18,000 people (5,000 families) each year from the Columbus north side, Grandview, Upper Arlington and nearby neighborhoods. Their clientele consists of families living in or near poverty. Whether the individuals have health problems, are victims of crime, are subsisting on inadequate fixed incomes or are handicapped, NNEMAP is there to ensure the family has a balanced and nutritional food supply. Clients may receive food twice each month. Clients are interviewed on each visit to verify their eligibility to receive food. If necessary, referrals to other agencies or programs are given.
The pantry distributes approximately 3,000 pounds of food each week. Although NNEMAP receives significant food donations from many sources, the main source of supply is the Mid-Ohio Food Bank, also a First Community Church mission. In addition, grocery drives help broaden the variety of food available. Occasionally, when certain foods or other supplies are not supplied by other sources, NNEMAP purchases them from retail establishments.
NNEMAP will soon be merging with Neighborhood Services, Inc., a campus-area pantry organization. As a result, the pantries together will serve an area around High Street, reaching from the Olentangy river on the west, to I-71 on the east, the Short North area on the south, to Weber road on the north.
During the holy-day season between Thanksgiving and Christmas, NNEMAP volunteers put together a special effort to collect items for grooming kits which are dispensed to area families as a small gesture of Christmas giving. Although there are many hygenic items included in the grooming kit, the most expensive item is hand/body lotion. In years past, the number of grooming kits assembled was shortened because of the lack of this most costly item. This is why our church has focused on the Alabaster Jar collection of the hand/body lotion - our fortunate congregation has been more able to provide that which is more costly and in short supply.
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