We are committed to helping end food insecurity as part of our work to make a positive impact in the communities where we live and work. To realize this, we must work with partners who share in our passion to combat hunger and marry this with next-level organization and innovation.
Abbey Linville, Vice President, Public Relations and Communications at The J.M. Smucker Co.
As a values-based organization, when The J.M. Smucker Co. thinks about how it defines success, it considers the impact it makes on all those who count on the business. The 127+year-old company is inspired by its purpose, “Feeding Connections That Help Us Thrive – Life Tastes Better Together” and guided by a set of priorities to help ensure it maximizes resources and the positive impact it can make. One of these priorities is the company’s commitment to help end food insecurity.
The long-time partnership between the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank and Smucker is a great source of pride for both organizations. As a food manufacturer, Smucker has a unique appreciation and ability to help neighbors who are battling hunger. And, as its leadership and employees have engaged with partners at the Foodbank, it has seen firsthand the many faces of hunger. With this visibility, one of the things the company has expressed a particular passion for is ensuring it is supporting neighbors experiencing hunger while also respecting the dignity of every individual.
In 2020, Smucker announced a $1M commitment which supported the development of the Stark County Campus. The location has piloted food security initiatives and provides regular access to fresh fruits and vegetables, shelf-stable pantry items, bread and dairy products to neighbors through the new Keith D. Monda Family Food Pantry & Resource Center.
In 2025, Smucker once again showcased its support of local hunger relief by sponsoring the Foodbank’s new video, Meet Jack. Jack, a lovable cartoon character, educates viewers on childhood hunger in the region. Watch the video and learn more at Meet-Jack.com.
These are just a few examples of how the relationship between Smucker and the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank provides support while offering hope for a brighter tomorrow for every individual. This is important, inspiring work, done by people across both organizations who truly care and who work diligently every day to make a difference.