In 2012, Feeding America named the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank the Food Bank of the Year at its annual Network Summit.
The award is the highest recognition achievable by the 200 partner food banks within the Feeding America network.
Judges selected the Foodbank because of its exceptional work. Among the food bank's accomplishments in 2012:
- Increased distribution to 19.4 million pounds of food and targeted its outreach in priority counties
- Cultivated new donors and balanced fundraising strategies, resulting in 100% increase in funds raised in the previous two years
- Created a new Feeding Kids Initiative to help kids facing food insecurity
- Developed creative tools to engage and educate the public, like the Hungry Kate video
"The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank continues to create innovative ways to meet its community's emergency food needs. They are truly a leader in our network," said Vicki Escarra, [then] President and CEO of Feeding America, the nation's largest hunger-relief organization. "President and CEO Dan Flowers and his remarkable team are well deserving of this great honor. Their effort to help feed the hungry in the Akron-Canton area and their contribution to our mission is truly inspiring."
"The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank is fixed on its mission to Feed People and Fight Hunger. We are committed to seeking the most efficient and effective means to those ends," said Dan Flowers, president and CEO of the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank. "This honor belongs to this entire community, our member agencies, board of directors, staff members and our struggling neighbors. We will continue striving to serve more people and to serve them better. People in need deserve our very best. Our work has just begun."