The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank kicked off its annual Holiday Campaign which runs through Dec. 31. The annual campaign provides opportunities for community members to support local hunger relief efforts through a variety of activities.
Though the holiday season is traditionally a time for celebrations centered around the dining table, for many families in the Foodbank’s region, that could be difficult this year. The Foodbank and its network of hunger-relief partners have sustained an increased demand for groceries, experiencing an 18% increase in the number of visits from people seeking help. For the first time in Foodbank history, the organization has distributed 3+ million pounds of food each month for the past 12 consecutive months.
“None of us expected the years following the pandemic to be more difficult for people in need than what they experienced at its peak, but all indications are that more people are food insecure today than four years ago,” said Dan Flowers, Foodbank president and CEO. “Food banks across the country are struggling to keep pace with the demand. Available food is leaving our warehouse as quickly as it’s coming in. Our food distribution is up 18% compared to last year. Supporting the Foodbank’s Holiday Campaign is a simple and direct way our community can support neighbors experiencing hunger. Every dollar donated to your Foodbank helps provide enough food for three meals.”
As the Foodbank plans to support turkey distributions and many other food distributions to help families have a heart-warming meal together during the holidays, the organization is asking the community to rally around its annual Holiday Campaign.
Below are ways to support the campaign:
Start a virtual food drive
Create a personalized online fundraising page and share the link with your contacts and on social media.
Volunteer
Volunteers are vital to the Foodbank. Helping in the warehouse, administrative support, picking up and delivering food donations, working in the onsite food pantries – there are many volunteer opportunities available at both Foodbank locations. To learn more, visit akroncantonfoodbank.org/volunteer.
Host a food and funds drive
Collect food and financial contributions on behalf of the Foodbank. Coordinator kits are available and include materials needed for a successful drive.
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. facebook.com/fund/akroncantonfoodbank/
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.
NEW! Merry Meals Mixer – Dec. 4
Step into a winter wonderland at the Ohio Christmas Factory in Canton and enjoy samples of the region's finest culinary delights and desserts. During this strolling experience, bid on beautifully decorated holiday trees and wreaths as well as premium silent auction items and experiences. Learn more at merrymealsmixer.com.
12th annual Selfless Elf 5k – Dec. 21
Join the Foodbank for the 80s-themed 12th annual Selfless Elf 5k at its Main Campus in Akron. Dust off those neon leg warmers, tease your hair and deck yourself out in the wildest 80s Christmas gear you can find. The more mullet, the merrier! Enjoy a morning of fun for the entire family while supporting local hunger relief.
To learn more about the Holiday Campaign, please visit akroncantonfoodbank.org/holiday or contact the Foodbank at 330.535.6900.
To search food programs in the Foodbank’s network, please visit akroncantonfoodbank.org/find-help.