LAST UPDATED ON 2020-11-09 12:08:24

TUFF program relocating to Tusc. juvy court

DOVER, Ohio - The Tuscarawas United-Feeding our Future Bags program is relocating to the Tuscarawas County Juvenile Court, effective November 30, 2020, according to a press release from the Tusc. County Health Department.

The TUFF program, which works to eradicate childhood hunger as well as provide education and skill-building in the community, is a partnership with the Tusc. County Health Department, the Tusc. County Juvenile Court, United Way of Tusc. County, the Tusc. County Sheriff's Office, Adventure Harley Davidson, The Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank, and the Greater Dover-New Philadelphia Foot Pantry.

“We were able to secure grant funding that will allow us to further the good work of the TUFF Bags program,” noted Adam Wilgus, Judge-Elect for the Tuscarawas County Court of Common Pleas Probate/Juvenile Division. “This grant award makes it feasible for us to house the program and make plans for future growth while continuing to work with the community partners, donors, and volunteers who make our program possible.”

“TUFF Bags will continue to serve the children in our county who suffer from food insecurity, just as it has for the past several years,” explained Lisa Walker, TUFF Bags Coordinator. “Only the lead agency will change.  Packings and distributions will continue without interruption. Moving the program to The Tuscarawas County Juvenile Court will provide opportunities for growth and expansion, and TCHD will continue to be an important part of the coalition.”

According to the press release, approximately 4,280 children in the county experience food insecurity, which refers to a lack of regular access to nutritional food.

The program was initially known as Blessings in a Backpack at its inception in 2016.