This September, the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, together with 200 Feeding America food banks nationwide, will mobilize across all 50 states to raise awareness and engage the public in the fight against hunger.
The campaign calls attention to the reality that every community in the Foodbank’s region and in the U.S. has individuals and families who experience food insecurity. In the Foodbank’s eight-county service area, an estimated 1 in 9 individuals and 1 in 8 children may struggle with hunger.
The Foodbank continues to experience an elevated demand for groceries. Its network of 600 hunger-relief programs has seen a 21% increase in the number of visits from people seeking help compared to the same timeframe last year. For the first time in Foodbank history, the organization distributed more than 3 million pounds for 11 consecutive months.
“The demand for food is higher now than during the pandemic and the Great Recession. I’ve never experienced a prolonged increase in need like this during my 25 years in food banking,” said Dan Flowers, Foodbank president and CEO. “Families are having a difficult time making ends meet. Increased costs for food, rent and other basic necessities, along with the reduction of government food benefits, has left many families struggling to put food on the table.”
The Foodbank is doing its best to keep pace with the demand. Pounds of food distributed are up 19%, but its inventory is turning over so fast that it is losing ground against demand. It looks to the community to continue to support local hunger-relief efforts through financial and food contributions.
In addition to distributing more food to its hunger-relief partners, the Foodbank’s two onsite food pantries are experiencing the increase in need firsthand. On average, the two pantries serve more than 2,500 families every week, providing them with enough food for 49,000 meals.
Hunger Action Month activities:
- HUNGER ACTION DAY – On Sept. 10 wear orange, the color of hunger relief. Snap a photo to share on social media using #acrfb and #HungerActionMonth.
- USE YOUR VOICE – Register to vote! Celebrate democracy by using your voice and getting #VoteReady for your next trip to the ballot box in 2024 and beyond! Encourage your friends, family and followers to register to vote on National Voter Registration Day on Sept. 17.
- VOLUNTEER – Visit akroncantonfoodbank.org/volunteer to learn about volunteer opportunities.
- MAKE A DONATION – $1 can help provide enough food 3 meals. Donate online.
Volunteer. Engage. Advocate. Donate. Everyone has a role to play in fighting hunger. Food insecurity impacts many aspects of a person’s life – food goes beyond nourishing the body. When people are fed, futures are nourished and individuals can go from surviving to truly thriving. Take action today by joining your Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank at akroncantonfoodbank.org/HAM or 330.535.6900.