The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank kicked off its annual Holiday Campaign today which runs through Dec. 31. The Foodbank encourages community members to get involved through a variety of activities to help support local hunger relief.
As inflation continues to impact local families’ ability to put food on their tables, the Foodbank is also having a difficult time keeping its shelves stocked. Food donations are down by 27%, all while the Foodbank’s pantry network is experiencing a 14% increase in people served. Of families visiting local pantries, 25% are new, meaning they’ve never visited a food program before.
“These are unique and challenging times,” said Dan Flowers, Foodbank president and CEO. “Food banks across the country are struggling to secure food donations because of supply chain issues and other economic circumstances. Inflation has caused demand to increase, yet available food is at a 4-year low. Families are making tough choices, like choosing to pay for rent, utilities or medicine over food. The support of the community has made all the difference in our ability to meet the challenges of these times. We hope our friends will continue to remember our mission over the holidays and in the uncertain times ahead.”
To keep its shelves stocked, the Foodbank has been forced to purchase more food than ever and that has been made possible by the financial contributions from individuals, organizations and foundations. To help sustain its efforts in these harrowing times, the Foodbank is asking the community to rally around its annual Holiday Campaign.
Below are ways to support the Holiday Campaign.
Host a virtual food drive
Create a personalized online fundraiser and share the link on social media.
Volunteer
Volunteers are vital to the Foodbank. Helping in the warehouse, administrative support, picking up and delivering food donations, loading food into cars at drive-thru distributions – there are many volunteer opportunities available at both Foodbank locations. To learn more, visit akroncantonfoodbank.org/volunteer.
Host a food and funds drive
Collect food and financial contributions on behalf of the Foodbank. Coordinator kits will be made available and include materials needed for a successful drive. Register your drive.
Create a Facebook fundraiser
Facebook makes it easy to set up an online fundraiser for the Foodbank. Invite family and friends to donate and help spread the word on social media.
Financial contributions
Consider making a personal donation or a corporate gift. $1=4meals
Planned giving
Learn ways to support its hunger-relief efforts through deferred gifts, including bequests, charitable gift annuities, life insurance policies and retirement assets.
10th annual Selfless Elf 5k – Dec. 17
This family-friendly event is a great way to participate in the Foodbank’s annual Holiday Campaign and will be extra special this year as it celebrates its 10th anniversary. Visit selflesself.com for more information.
To learn more about the Holiday Campaign, please visit akroncantonfoodbank.org/holiday or contact the Foodbank at 330.535.6900.