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 at local Buehler’s, Dave’s Markets, Giant Eagle, GetGo, Heinen’s, Lucky’s Market and Market District.
The 2023 campaign set a new record, collecting more than $9.775 million and thousands of pounds of food to provide over 29 million nutritious meals for local hunger relief.
As we begin the 2024 Harvest for Hunger Campaign, we know our communities continue 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 costs and the rise of other basic expenses. All too often, those served by the Harvest for Hunger campaign must choose between paying for food and paying for utilities such as heat, or getting the medicines they need to stay healthy.
A growing number of seniors on fixed incomes are also struggling to make ends meet. Because of this, we recognize the critical role of food banks and partner agencies to remain a reliable resource.
With your support of the Harvest for Hunger campaign and beyond, we can be here for the long haul.
