The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank kicked off its annual Holiday Campaign which runs through Dec. 31. The Foodbank encourages community members to help families this holiday season as many continue to struggle with hunger as a lasting effect of the coronavirus pandemic.
COVID-19 has caused a significant economic impact for many Northeast Ohio families. Feeding America projects that the Foodbank’s eight-county service region, Carroll, Holmes, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit, Tuscarawas and Wayne counties, has experienced an estimated 31 percent increase in the number of individuals facing hunger and an estimated 43 percent increase in the number of children struggling with hunger because of the virus.
“We are seeing a 20 percent increase in our food distribution across the network because of the increase in need,” said Foodbank President and CEO Dan Flowers. “For some families, the recovery will take years. We know we’ll be battling COVID-19 effects for months to come. But we are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of community support we have seen this year and hope the community will continue to stand with us as we stand by our neighbors in need this holiday season and in the many months ahead.”
When COVID-19 shut down local businesses and put many families out of work, the Foodbank saw an influx of generosity, which has been vital to its emergency response efforts as it’s been able to rely on those resources to meet the increase in need, purchasing more food than it’s ever needed to before.
To help sustain local hunger-relief efforts, the Foodbank is asking the community to support its annual Holiday Campaign because holiday memories are made around the dinner table. Food brings people together; food helps make lasting memories. But for families facing hunger, holiday meals might not feel as special this year.
The Foodbank has a variety of opportunities available to support its Holiday Campaign. See below and visit akroncantonfoodbank.org/holiday for more information.
Online Fundraiser or Facebook Fundraiser
In lieu of in-person food drives, create a personalized virtual fundraiser with the Foodbank’s online platform or through Facebook and share the link via email and through personal and professional networks. Visit akroncantonfoodbank.org/holiday to create a personalized fundraising page.
Host a food and funds drive
For businesses and organizations still able to mobilize food donations during the pandemic, collect food and financial contributions on behalf of the Foodbank. Coordinator kits will be available and include materials needed for a successful drive!
Donate on Double Dollar Day
On Cyber Monday, Nov. 30, online donations will be matched! For every $1 donated, Fifth Third Bank and a generous friend of the Foodbank will make a matching gift, up to $15,000. On this day, $1 = 8 meals.
Planned Giving
Contact your Foodbank to learn ways you can support its hunger-relief efforts through deferred gifts, including bequests, charitable gift annuities, life insurance policies and retirement assets.
Volunteer
Volunteers are vital to the Foodbank. Helping in the warehouse, sorting food in the volunteer center, administrative support, loading food into cars at grocery distributions – there are many ways people can volunteer at the Foodbank. To learn more, visit akroncantonfoodbank.org/volunteer.
9th Annual Harvest Moon VIRTUAL Run – Nov. 8
Support the Foodbank’s prepared and perishable food rescue program, Community Harvest. Run the 3.1-miles from anywhere. Register online at akroncantonfoodbank.org/moonrun.
8th Annual VIRTUAL Selfless Elf 5k – Dec. 19
Dress in your favorite holiday-themed costume or running gear and run or walk the 3.1-miles from anywhere. Race packets will be mailed to homes or available through a drive-thru packet pickup. Visit selflesself.com for more information.
To learn more about the Holiday Campaign, please visit akroncantonfoodbank.org/holiday or contact the Foodbank at 330.535.6900.