Across Ohio the recession has had an effect on many individuals, and data recently released by the U.S. Census Bureau is another reminder of why emergency food assistance programs are vital to supporting hungry Ohioans. In 2010, nearly one in six households or 15.8 percent of the population lived in poverty. Many of these individuals are newly poor, part of middle-class households knocked off their feet by unemployment or sudden unfortunate circumstances.

Dan, an unemployed truck driver, is seeking a job and wants desperately to be back in the workforce. His arthritis, bad knees, and the economy are obstacles, but he continues on his quest to find a job and improve his situation. He has seen better times, but also knows things could be worse, and is determined to continue fighting.

“I am just thankful my children are grown and I am not responsible for feeding them. I don’t know how these single parents are making it,” said Dan.

Dan, a very humble man, occasionally relies on the food pantry at Arlington Memorial Baptist Church in Akron to supplement his food supply. He is very grateful for the fresh produce and shelf-stable food he receives at the pantry, allowing him to sustain his home and continue to focus energy towards his job search.

When asked what he would like to say to donors that make this program possible, he said, “Thank you, I don’t know where I’d be without this help.”

Since the start of the Great Recession in 2007, distribution from the docks of the Foodbank has increased 48 percent, and last year 19.2 million pounds of food were distributed to those seeking emergency assistance from one of the Foodbank’s 450 hunger relief programs.