Across eight counties in Ohio, the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank helps source food for food pantries, meal sites, shelters, children’s programs, and hunger relief programs for older adults. Last year alone, 35 million pounds of food and other essentials were distributed—enough food for 27.2 million meals for local communities in need.
“Families are having a difficult time making ends meet. With the holiday season approaching and so many traditions centered around food, the Foodbank hopes to warm the hearts of our neighbors in need, one nourishing meal at a time,” says Raven Gayheart, director of marketing and public relations at the Foodbank.
The Foodbank continues to serve a record number of people, distributing enough food for 20% more meals than the previous year. For the first time in the organization’s history, it has distributed 3+ million pounds of food for the past 12 consecutive months. The sustained demand for food means the Foodbank’s inventory turnover rate is exceptionally high – food is distributed as quickly as it comes in.
In Stark County specifically, 1 in 8 people, an estimated 45,000 people, including 12,000 children, may struggle with hunger. The Foodbank partners with nearly 160 food programs in Stark County that directly impact the lives of local residents. Backpack programs for children, food pantries and meal sites, shelters, and rehabilitation programs help ensure residents have a place to turn during their time of need.
Last year, in partnership with the Foodbank, these Stark County food programs distributed enough food for 9.4 million meals. As partners reflect on the first three quarters of 2024, they’ve collectively seen a 30% increase in the number of program visits.
In addition to providing food to hunger relief programs, the Foodbank operates a variety of direct service programs that serve individuals in need. The Foodbank’s second facility in downtown Canton, the Stark County Campus, houses an on-site food pantry. People in need of food assistance can visit the pantry to pick up groceries on various days of the week. Families can also visit the food pantry at its Main Campus in downtown Akron.
While visiting both Foodbank pantries, families can receive additional support services beyond food. In Stark County, the Foodbank has partnered with Aultman Working on Wellness, Community Legal Aid, ACCESS Health Stark, Goodwill, Stark County Jobs and Family Services, Beacon Charitable Pharmacy, Stark County Urban League, Canton City Public Health and Stark County Public Health Department to offer informational sessions and support.
The Foodbank also operates a mobile pop-up pantry that visits various locations across the region multiple times per month. The pop-up pantry is an innovative way to serve communities with limited food resources, taking food directly into neighborhoods where people need it. The Foodbank partners with various community partners to help offer this service to residents, including Stark Metropolitan Housing Authority, Canton Parks and Recreation, and the Edward Peel Coleman Community Center.
For individuals with transportation and mobility challenges, the Foodbank offers a home delivery program in partnership with food pantries in its network. To help promote equity and access, families facing hunger can have groceries delivered directly to their homes by dedicated volunteers.
The Foodbank hopes the community will support local hunger relief this holiday season. No family should have to choose between buying nourishing groceries and paying for rent, utilities, medication, and childcare. There are various ways to get involved:
Volunteers are vital and many ways people can help at both locations. Helping in the warehouse, administrative support, driving Foodbank vehicles to pick up and deliver donations, and assisting in food pantries. Creating an online fundraiser and share the link with your social networks. You can set a goal and track the status of your philanthropic efforts. Collecting food and financial contributions for the Foodbank. Coordinator kits will be mailed and will include materials to make the drive a success!
To learn more about supporting the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, visit akroncantonfoodbank.org.
Hunger can impact anyone simply trying to make ends meet; Hunger isn't easily identifiable. It can be hidden.