Hunger is experienced in every county the Foodbank serves. 

As costs for basic necessities remain elevated, individuals and families often choose between purchasing food and paying for rent, utilities, transportation and health care. Our most vulnerable populations are impacted the most, children under the age of 18 and older adults, many of whom are attempting to live on a fixed income. 

Food insecurity refers to the USDA’s measure of lack of regular access to nutritional food for an active and healthy life.

  • 1 in 9 individuals in our service area may struggle with hunger (approx. 167,800 individuals)
  • 1 in 8 children in our service area may struggle with hunger (approx. 42,330 children) 
Carroll County

Food Insecurity Estimates:
12.9% or 3,470 individuals and
15.3% or 850 children
Foodbank Impact:
842,956 lbs = 702,463 meals, including
181,408 pounds of fresh produce 

Holmes County

Food Insecurity Estimates:
8.2% or 3,620 individuals and
6.6% or 900 children
Foodbank Impact:
1,046,225 lbs = 871,854 meals, including
257,641 pounds of fresh produce  

Medina County

Food Insecurity Estimates:
8.3% or 15,140 individuals and 6.8% or 2,740 children
Foodbank Impact:
1,907,039 lbs = 1,589,199 meals, including
527,901 pounds of fresh produce  

Portage County

Food Insecurity Estimates:
10.7% or 17,260 individuals and
10.6% or 3,200 children
Foodbank Impact:
1,720,126 lbs = 1,433,438 meals, including
422,140 pounds of fresh produce 

Stark County

Food Insecurity Estimates: 12% or 44,780 individuals and
14.9% or 12,130 children
Foodbank Impact:
11,298,629 lbs = 9,415,524 meals, including
2,670,614 pounds of fresh produce 

Summit County

Food Insecurity Estimates:
11.2% or 60,400 individuals and
14.9% or 16,950 children
Foodbank Impact:
12,002,873 lbs = 10,002,394 meals, including
2,517,298 pounds of fresh produce 

Tuscarawas County

Food Insecurity Estimates:
12.1% or 11,300 individuals
and 12.9% or 2,790 children
Foodbank Impact:
3,918,471 lbs = 3,265,393 meals, including
1,042,111 pounds of fresh produce 

Wayne County

Food Insecurity Estimates: 10.1% or 11,830 individuals and
9.7% or 2,770 children
Foodbank Impact:
1,554,452 lbs = 1,295,377 meals, including
442,436 pounds of fresh produce

Food insecurity refers to the USDA’s measure of lack of regular access to nutritional food for an active and healthy life. Learn more about food insecurity.

  • 44.3% of households visiting Ohio’s food banks have at least one member under 18
  • 34.7% of households visiting Ohio’s food banks have at least one member over 60
  • 38.1% of household visiting Ohio’s food banks include at least one disabled member

Data gathered through the Ohio Association of Foodbanks' 2023 Statewide Study of Hunger in Ohio