Harvest for Hunger is an annual springtime campaign and collaborative effort of four local food banks across 21 counties to help fight hunger in Northeast Ohio. It is coordinated by the Akron- Canton Regional Foodbank, Greater Cleveland Food Bank, Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley and Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio.
The Harvest for Hunger campaign is one of the largest annual, community-wide food and funds drives in the nation. The campaign consists of workplace giving, corporate opportunities, cause-marketing, school engagement, volunteer opportunities and Check Out Hunger. Check Out Hunger, a cashier-led fundraising effort in grocery stores across the region, gives customers the option to make a donation at the register. Buehler’s, Dave’s Markets, Fisher Foods, Giant Eagle, GetGo, Heinen’s Grocery Store and Lucky’s Market. Check Out Hunger Kicks-off in March.
In 2022, we set an ambitious stretch goal of $9.4M after a record-breaking performance in 2021 of $9.3M. Northeast Ohioans rallied together again in 2022 to help their neighbors struggling with hunger and the impact of rising inflation. As a result, the 2022 campaign set a new record and raised $9.7M, or over 29 million meals. This type of support is not possible without the collective support of donors like you.
As we head into 2023, our community continues to face challenges. The demand for food assistance is 14% greater than pre-pandemic levels, as many of our neighbors, including working families, are faced with higher food and other basic expenses. A growing number of seniors on fixed incomes are also struggling to make ends meet. Because of this, we recognize the importance of the Greater Cleveland Food Bank to remain a reliable resource for all those who need us. With your support, the Food Bank and our agency partners will be here for the Harvest for Hunger season and the long haul.
