Advocate for your Foodbank to receive much-need financial support to maintain our ability to provide nourishing food for our neighbors in need. Email Scott Partika, Gov. DeWine’s assistant policy director of health and human services at Scott.Partika@governor.ohio.gov. Below are talking points to help guide your email.
As a supporter of the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank and their efforts to end hunger, we appreciate the support the governor provided throughout the pandemic and economic shutdown. However, more help is needed as food banks and pantries are experiencing record numbers of visits, all while the availability of food and personal care items is dwindling and prices are soaring. The Ohio Association of Food Banks is requesting $50 million in immediate funding to help restock shelves. We ask that the governor release the $50 million in requested funds as soon as possible.
We are also requesting an additional $133 million investment of state American Rescue Plan Act recovery funds to build the state’s long-term network capacity. We need to respond to the current increase in need and ensure our system is equipped for future food and economic crises.