Brian Taylor, an outreach counselor from the Mid-Ohio Foodbank, will visit the area to help residents determine if they qualify to receive food stamps.

Officials said an increase in unemployment in the Ohio Valley has prompted the planned visits.

Taylor is collaborating with Community Action Council officials, who also will be on site to discuss the Home Energy Assistance Program.

The visits will be held at the following locations:

Stratton Municipal Building - 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Thursday.

Dillonvale City Building - 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 23, Dec. 2 and 9.

CAC office, 114 N. Fourth St. - 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and Dec. 11.

Taylor also will visit various sits without the collaboration of CAC. Those sites are:

Urban Mission Ministries, Sixth Street - 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 20 and Dec. 21.

Smithfield Friends Church - 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 10.

Mingo Senior Center - 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 24.

Those wishing to schedule an appointment at the senior center can contact Mingo Social Services Director Sophie Schoolcraft at (740) 535-9161.

Those interested in receiving assistance can complete an application and bring it with them as well as a rent or mortgage statement/receipt; utility bills, including electric, water and gas; and all income verification.

Applicants who are disabled or 60 years of age or older also should show proof of current medical expenses.

Officials have asked that an appointment be made prior to the dates in order to give an approximate meeting time; however, an appointment is not necessary. For information or to request an appointment, contact Taylor at (877) 633-3660.