The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank held a food distribution at its warehouse on Oct. 25 targeted toward senior citizens. Recipients received enough food for 3-5 days, including shelf-stable items, fresh produce and bread for free. More than 250 households were served.
The food distribution is not a regular program of the Foodbank; most food items are distributed through the Foodbank’s network of nearly 500 pantries, hot meal sites, shelters and other hunger-relief programs. However, the Foodbank was already serving seniors through its implementation of the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). CSFP provides low-income seniors with enough food to create 25 meals, helping supplement their diets with nutritious USDA foods.
Though the distribution was open to all individuals struggling with hunger, the Foodbank reached out to qualifying seniors to participate since the CSFP box program is no longer being distributed by the Foodbank, but through its network of hunger-relief programs specifically serving seniors.
“More than 50 percent of the individuals the Foodbank serves are our most vulnerable populations- children under the age of 18 and seniors living on a fixed income,” said Dan Flowers, president and CEO of the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank. “Programs like CSFP and this food distribution help our neighbors avoid tough choices, like choosing between paying for groceries and medication, rent or utilities.”
“This is such a blessing,” said food recipient Tracey McNeil. “I make too much to receive SNAP, but I’m caring for my children and grandchildren, and I barely make enough. The kindness and love we receive here, makes you feel comfortable.”
The distribution was supported by 25 community volunteers. Recipients drove their cars through an assembly line set up in the parking lot and food items were loaded into vehicles by volunteers. For this project, 10,000 reusable bags were supplied by FirstEnergy, a longtime supporter of the Foodbank.
To learn more about the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, its volunteer opportunities or programs, please visit akroncantonfoodbank.org or contact us at 330.535.6900.