Hunger is experienced in every county the Foodbank serves. 

As costs for basic necessities remain elevated, individuals and families often choose between purchasing food and paying for rent, utilities, transportation and health care. Our most vulnerable populations are impacted the most, children under the age of 18 and senior citizens, many of whom are attempting to live on a fixed income. 

Food insecurity refers to the USDA’s measure of lack of regular access to nutritional food for an active and healthy life.

  • 1 in 8 individuals in our service area may struggle with hunger (approx. 184,000 individuals)
  • 1 in 6 children in our service area may struggle with hunger (approx. 53,000 children) 
Carroll County

Food Insecurity Estimates
13.7%, 3,710 individuals
18.3%, 1,020 children
Foodbank Impact
859,204 lbs = 716,003 meals
199,409 lbs fresh produce 

Holmes County

Food Insecurity Estimates
8.7%, 3,820 individuals
8.8%, 1,210 children
Foodbank Impact
1,002,826 lbs = 835,688 meals
218,086 lbs fresh produce  

Medina County

Food Insecurity Estimates
9.4%, 16,830 individuals
10.1%, 4,060 children
Foodbank Impact
1,449,014 lbs = 1,207,511 meals
378,978 lbs fresh produce  

Portage County

Food Insecurity Estimates
11.7%, 18,970 individuals
13.8%, 4,200 children
Foodbank Impact
1,618,685 lbs = 1,348,904 meals
389,176 lbs fresh produce 

Stark County

Food Insecurity Estimates  13.1%, 48,510 individuals
18%, 14,410 children
Foodbank Impact
9,041,776 lbs = 7,534,813 meals
2,199,026 fresh produce 

Summit County

Food Insecurity Estimates
12.5%, 67,760 individuals
18.5%, 21,030 children
Foodbank Impact
10,021,820 lbs = 8,351,516 meals
2,176,914 lbs fresh produce 

Tuscarawas County

Food Insecurity Estimates
13%, 12,010 individuals
16.4%, 3,470 children
Foodbank Impact
3,524,470 lbs = 2,937,058 meals
835,742 lbs fresh produce 

Wayne County

Food Insecurity Estimates  11%, 12,770 individuals
12.7%, 3,580 children
Foodbank Impact
1,719,143 lbs = 1,432,619 meals
476,933 lbs fresh produce

Food insecurity refers to the USDA’s measure of lack of regular access to nutritional food for an active and healthy life. Learn more about food insecurity.

  • 44.3% of households visiting Ohio’s food banks have at least one member under 18
  • 34.7% of households visiting Ohio’s food banks have at least one member over 60
  • 38.1% of household visiting Ohio’s food banks include at least one disabled member

Data gathered through the Ohio Association of Foodbanks' 2023 Statewide Study of Hunger in Ohio