The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank celebrated the culmination of the 33rd annual Harvest for Hunger Campaign with a carnival-themed party for the community at its Main Campus in Akron today. The community’s generosity provided enough food and funds to provide as many as 4.2 million meals to people experiencing hunger.
The Foodbank wasn’t certain it would reach its 4.2 million meal goal. Earlier this week, it alerted the community that the fundraising campaign was behind, hoping supporters would rally around it. In three short days, the community’s generosity was evident as it helped the organization reach its target.
“With inflation impacting so many, we went into this campaign knowing it was going to be a steep climb, knowing we were going to have to push harder than ever,” said Dan Flowers, Foodbank president and CEO. “When we realized campaign revenue was falling short, we put a plea out to our community. And I’m not surprised but extremely humbled that they chose to answer our plea with overwhelming support. During one of the most challenging economic times, last-minute gifts from generous supporters helped us reach our goal – which is so important right now as we continue to experience unprecedented demand for food.”
The need for help with groceries remains elevated. The Foodbank and its network of hunger-relief partners has seen a 30% increase in the number of visits from people seeking help in the first quarter compared to the previous year. For the first time in Foodbank history, 3+ million pounds of food have been distributed from its warehouse for four consecutive months.
The Harvest for Hunger Campaign is the largest annual fundraising campaign for the Foodbank and helps support food distribution all year long. Efforts included nearly 100 businesses, schools and faith-based organizations coming together to collect food and funds on behalf of the Foodbank, and thousands of people making a donation during checkout at their local Buehler's Fresh Foods, Dave's Supermarkets, Giant Eagle, GetGo and Heinen's Grocery Store.
Supermarket representatives, community leaders, volunteers, corporations and organizations that supported the campaign were invited to the open house. Guests enjoyed carnival-themed treats, including hot dogs, kettle corn and cotton candy, carnival games, a roaming magician and more.
The Harvest for Hunger Campaign is a joint effort of the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, Greater Cleveland Foodbank, Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley and Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio. This annual fundraising campaign focuses on fighting hunger across 21 counties in Northeast Ohio.
For more information about supporting hunger-relief efforts, please visit akroncantonfoodbank.org or call 330.535.6900.