It's been nearly a decade since passionate community members came together to create Heart 4 The City, an outreach center focused on feeding the community. Now, it's a free-standing church continuing to pursue its mission while serving the Goodyear Heights community.
“When we first started, we wanted to do more for our community in a tangible way,” says Pastor Brett. “We were adamant and passionate about feeding people and restoring their dignity, offering a hand up, not a handout.”
The pantry used to serve families once a month, but because of its partnership with the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, it has increased its capacity and now serves families every Thursday. Food programs include regular pantry days, serving 65-70 families, and a large Direct Distribution in which thousands of pounds of food are distributed in a few hours to 125 families.
“There’s no way we could exist without our ongoing partnership with the Foodbank. We could not afford to do what we do without them,” said Brett.
Last year, it helped provide access to nearly 92,000 meals for the families it serves.
Pastor Brett explains that many of the individuals and families served live right above the threshold to receive government assistance, meaning they make too much to receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, and yet, not enough to fully provide for their families.
“Working with the pantry has really changed my perceptions on hunger and who is hungry,” explained Tammy, food pantry director. “We serve families who have unexpectedly lost jobs, grandparents raising grandkids, families with no transportation access, and people who need help just for a short while.”
“There are kids simply wanting apples and oranges – just asking for the basics. No one should go hungry.”
Because of your support, the Foodbank continues to partner with organizations making a tremendous impact in the neighborhoods where people need food.