Stark County Business News: FOODBANK CALLS ON COMMUNITY SUPPORT AS GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN AND DISRUPTED FOOD BENEFITS LEAVE MORE FAMILIES FACING HUNGER

 

FOODBANK CALLS ON COMMUNITY SUPPORT AS GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN AND DISRUPTED FOOD BENEFITS LEAVE MORE FAMILIES FACING HUNGER

 

 

AKRON, Ohio – (Nov. 5, 2025) – The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank kicked off its annual Holiday Campaign earlier this week which runs through Dec. 31. The annual campaign provides opportunities for community members to support local hunger-relief efforts through a variety of activities.

 

Because of the government shutdown, some federal workers are not receiving pay, and food benefits through the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) have not yet been issued to Ohioans for the month of November. As a result, more families are turning to the Foodbank and its network of hunger-relief programs amid the uncertainty and anxiety caused by the impacts of the shutdown.

 

This challenging time comes as the Foodbank and its network of hunger-relief partners continue to face sustained increases in demand for groceries. The Foodbank is working to keep pace with the heightened need despite fewer resources, as government food support has declined by 36% so far this year.

 

“The government shutdown has made an already difficult situation even harder for local families,” said Dan Flowers, president and CEO of the Foodbank. “We’re seeing more people turning to us for help as federal workers miss paychecks and SNAP benefits are delayed. Across the country, food banks are struggling to keep up with rising demand – food is moving through our warehouse as quickly as it arrives. Supporting the Foodbank’s Holiday Campaign is one of the most direct ways our community can help neighbors facing hunger. Every dollar provides enough food for three meals.”

 

To help support local families, the Foodbank has extended its pantry hours and added weekend and evening availability, added additional pop-up pantries across its region, and is coordinating volunteer support for food programs within its network.

 

The Foodbank is encouraging the community to come together to support local hunger relief by rallying around its Holiday Campaign. Below are ways to support the campaign:

 

 

START A FUNDRAISER

Host a virtual food drive

Create a personalized online fundraising page and share the link with your social network.

 

Create a Facebook fundraiser

Facebook makes it easy to set up an online fundraiser for the Foodbank. Invite family and friends to donate and help spread the word on social media.

 

Host a food & funds drive

Collect food and financial contributions on behalf of the Foodbank. Coordinator kits are available and include materials needed for a successful drive. The Foodbank will be accepting food drive donations at its Main Campus in Akron and Stark County Campus during the month of November every Monday-Friday 8am-4pm and on Nov. 8, 15 and 22 from 9am-12pm.

 

DONATE
Financial contributions

Consider making a personal donation or a corporate gift. $1 = 3 meals

 

Planned giving

Contact the Foodbank to learn ways to support hunger-relief efforts through deferred gifts, including bequests, charitable gift annuities, life insurance policies and retirement assets.

 

ATTEND AN EVENT

Merry Meals Mixer – Dec. 3 at Ohio Christmas Factory

Guests will be immersed in a unique interactive holiday experience, while enjoying samples of the area’s finest food and dessert. Beautifully decorated trees and wreaths will be available for bid in a silent auction. Learn more at MerryMealsMixer.com.

 

Selfless Elf 5k – Dec. 20 at the Foodbank’s Main Campus

Dress in your favorite, festive holiday-themed costume or running gear for the 13th annual Selfless Elf 5k run/walk benefiting the Foodbank. Enjoy a morning of fun for the entire family while supporting local hunger relief. Register now at SelflessElf.com.

 

VOLUNTEER

Volunteers are vital to the Foodbank. Helping in the warehouse, assisting with administrative support, picking up and delivering food donations, helping in the onsite food pantries – there are many volunteer opportunities available at both Foodbank locations. To learn more, visit akroncantonfoodbank.org/volunteer.

 

NEED FOOD?
Visit akroncantonfoodbank.org/find-help to find a food program.

 

To learn more about the Holiday Campaign, please visit akroncantonfoodbank.org/holiday or contact the Foodbank at 330.535.6900.