And community is what the center is all about. In fact, a wide variety of community members help make it possible for the center to complete its mission.

Hartenstein said the churches of Martins Ferry came together several years ago to create a program to provide food to residents of the Martins Ferry City School District who were in need. Originally housed in a building on the opposite side of Fifth Street from the City Building, the center later moved to the recreation center and now is housed at 100 N. Zane Highway in a building owned by the Naylor Brothers with its rent paid by Unified Bank.

“Things are tough,” she said. “Food is costly.”

The facility is staffed by volunteers who order, purchase and collect donated food, unload trucks, check clients in and help them make their food selections. A total of 11 area churches support the center and help to fund its operations. Canned food and dry goods are purchased through the Mid-Ohio Food Collective.

Walmart, Kroger and Aldi’s also donate frozen meats, cheeses, cold cuts and more.

Hartenstein said she is grateful for the support the center receives from all of those businesses and volunteers. She praised Unified, in particular.

“Unified Bank has always been so supportive of us,” she said. “They are good people.”

Don Feenerty, Unified’s community development executive, said the center plays a key role in the city.

“At Unified Bank, the people we serve are at the heart of everything we do. Our mission has always been to help build better lives and brighter futures for individuals and communities alike,” he said. “The Daily Bread Center plays a vital role in strengthening our community, and we are both honored and proud to support their important work.

“Over the past century, Unified has expanded into many cities and towns across Ohio and West Virginia, but Martins Ferry will always be our home. We are truly grateful to The Daily Bread Center for all they do.”

As part of its efforts to provide for less fortunate residents, the center started hosting an annual salad luncheon several years ago. The COVID-19 pandemic forced a pause on that fundraiser, but it has returned, and Hartenstein said it is a tradition many community members now hold dear. She said many people attend, enjoy the wide variety of salads, chicken salad sandwiches, baked goods and desserts that are available and meet up with friends old and new.

“It has become a real community event,” she said. “There is no charge now, but we accept a love offering. We don’t make as much, but God provides.”

This year’s event is slated for 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday at St. Mary’s School gym, 20 N. Fourth St. in Martins Ferry. That facility is handicap accessible and offers parking on the school playground.

Hartenstein hopes the event will be well attended, as The Daily Bread Center continues to receive new clients.

The center itself is open from 10 a.m. to noon every Wednesday for produce distributions. It also is open from 10 a.m. to noon the second, third and fourth Saturdays of each month. Clients can visit on two of the three Saturdays.