Good nutrition, although important to all individuals, is especially important in the early years of a child’s life.

The right nutrition helps to establish a good foundation that has implications on a number of aspects in a child’s life including future physical and mental health and academic achievement.

Unfortunately, food insecurity is an obstacle that can threaten a child’s foundation. This year in our community, 1 in 6 children may face hunger, but your Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank will be there to help. 

With strong community support like yours, your Foodbank remains dedicated to improving the lives of those children struggling with hunger, just like Angel and Omega and their mom Asia.

Your support helps families like Asia's

Asia smiles as her children scramble to the produce table. They keep her busy throughout the day, as childcare costs are too expensive for her family. Once they go to school, she plans to enter a GED program and hopefully find a job she enjoys.

Growing up in the foster care system and not graduating from high school impacted Asia’s ability to find work. At one point, she and her husband were homeless, living with family and then a hotel when they felt they had overstayed their welcome. Once their money ran out, they found themselves at a local homeless shelter, living apart.

Fortunately, an Akron organization that helps homeless families stay together and achieve sustainable independence welcomed Asia’s family. With their help, they secured a car and house, and her husband found a job.

“Being there was a humbling experience. You take things for granted and when tragedy hits, you don’t know what you’ll do.”

Now, the family of four relies on her husband’s income. Asia has become a strategic budgeter, buying some items in bulk, stocking her pantry when she can, and visiting a local pantry when her food benefits run out toward the end of the month.