This spring, Mid-Ohio Food Collective joined hundreds of anti-hunger advocates at Feeding America’s annual fly-in in Washington, D.C. MOFC staff met with U.S. representatives to share updates on our work and advocate for legislation to improve food access for rural seniors.
This year was the first time MOFC brought a customer advocate to Washington. Rachel Rives stood in the offices of U.S. Reps. Mike Carey, Troy Balderson, and Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) to share her first-hand experience of senior hunger. Her story supported our legislative efforts.
“When I retired 15 years ago, things weren’t that bad, but it’s not the same amount of money,” said Rachel. Basic needs aren’t affordable anymore, she said. Rachel told lawmakers that the impact of their decisions is huge, and there are many seniors who need food assistance.
“I started off just volunteering,” she said. “Today I need my community resources.”
Rachel shops and volunteers at the Mid-Ohio Market at Norton Road. She’s also on MOFC’s Customer Advisory Council where she gives feedback on our services. Rachel’s familiarity with MOFC made her a natural fit for the fly-in.
Customer advocacy matters because people like Rachel can offer solutions to hunger that are rooted in their personal experiences. Rachel was heard by some of the most influential people in America—federal lawmakers. And she wants other customers to speak up too.
“I felt honored,” said Rachel. “But there’s so many impactful stories that are missing. We just need to ask for them.”
