The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank celebrated the culmination of the 35th annual Harvest for Hunger Campaign on Wednesday. Thanks to the community’s generosity, donated food and funds will help provide more than 5.1 million meals for the region.
The Foodbank marked the campaign’s success by taking its gratitude on the road with a thankful caravan. Foodbank leaders boarded a shuttle bus to visit and thank nearly a dozen organizations for their role in the local fight against hunger. Traveling across Summit and Stark counties, the team stopped at Cleveland Clinic Akron General, Huntington Bank, Bridgestone Americas, CSE Federal Credit Union and others.
At each stop, staff were greeted in lobbies by employees who had championed fundraising efforts for the campaign. Foodbank team members celebrated their contributions with treats, giveaways and a heartfelt thank you for their impact on the community.
“The Harvest for Hunger Campaign is a community-driven effort to address hunger across our region. Every pancake breakfast, basket raffle and local fundraiser plays a role in its success,” said Foodbank President and CEO Dan Flowers. “By bringing the celebration directly to our partners, we’re able to connect with and thank many more people than we could by hosting an event at our facility. This is the second year for the caravan and it has been very well received.”
As the need for food assistance remains high, the Harvest for Hunger Campaign strengthens the organization’s ability to provide food across the region. Following a decline in government food support last year, the Foodbank purchased 187% more food in early 2026 compared to the same period the previous year. Thanks to community generosity, the majority of these purchases were covered through grant support.
The Harvest for Hunger Campaign is a joint effort of the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, Greater Cleveland Foodbank, Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley and Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio. This annual fundraising campaign focuses on fighting hunger across 21 counties in Northeast Ohio.
Harvest for Hunger is the Foodbank’s largest annual fundraising effort and supports food distribution all year long. Nearly 100 businesses, schools and faith-based organizations participated by collecting food and funds on behalf of the Foodbank. Additionally, thousands of individuals donated at local Buehler's Fresh Foods, Dave's Market, Giant Eagle, GetGo and Heinen's Grocery Store.
A special thanks to TL Worldwide Transportation for shuttling staff across the region for the day.
For more information about supporting hunger-relief efforts, please visit akroncantonfoodbank.org or call 330.535.6900.