Giving in Appalachian Ohio drives innovation and opportunity

Across Appalachian Ohio, charitable giving is fueling innovation and opportunity — meeting urgent needs today while also addressing the root causes of some of the region’s most significant challenges.

Harrison County offers a clear example. Led by local volunteers committed to expanding opportunity for all, the Harrison County Community Foundation awards annual grants to local organizations while also partnering with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio to advance projects that strengthen local communities.

As a regional community foundation, FAO provides the infrastructure for partners to share and expand innovative ideas from one community to another — including efforts to address food insecurity, a challenge that affects families across the region. In some parts of Appalachian Ohio, more than 20% of individuals and families regularly worry about where their next meal will come from.

Local food pantries provide critical support, but demand continues to exceed supply. Regional food banks report that only about 10% to 12% of the food they receive and distribute is perishable protein, a nutrient essential to health.

In response, seven of FAO’s affiliate foundation partners — including the Harrison County Community Foundation — have helped pioneer a new approach over the past five years through Fill the Freezer campaigns. The program is built on partnership and sustained by the generosity of affiliate foundation volunteers and donors.

The campaigns invite buyers at county fair livestock sales to donate hog purchases to help “fill the freezers” of county food pantries. Donors can also contribute funds to cover meat processing costs.

In 2025 alone, more than 30,000 pounds of locally raised meat was donated across the seven participating counties. Since the Harrison County Community Foundation held its first Fill the Freezer campaign in 2024, the program has generated nearly 8,000 pounds of meat to help feed local families.

As the idea expands across Appalachian Ohio, it is increasing protein supplies and helping fight hunger — one pig and one pound at a time. The program’s success is a testament to both the donors and the doers who make this work possible.