Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank urges community support during Hunger Action Month

The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank is urging the community to unite during Hunger Action Month this September as food insecurity reaches its highest level in more than a decade.

More than 47 million people in the United States, including 14 million children, are facing hunger. Within the Foodbank’s eight-county service area, about one in seven residents — and nearly 20% of children — may struggle to put food on the table.

The need for assistance is greater now than during the pandemic, fueled by inflation and economic strain. At the same time, federal and state funding cuts have reduced the amount of food the Foodbank receives by an estimated 5 million to 6 million pounds annually, a shortfall expected to continue into 2026. Cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid are also expected to drive up demand for help while supplies are stretched thin.

“Significant cuts to government programs have constricted our ability to sustain food distribution at the same level provided to our region in 2024,” said Dan Flowers, Foodbank president and CEO. “The Foodbank is focused on maintaining support to our network of partners and the people we serve as we face significant reductions to safety net programs. We need your help. Now is the time to come together and meet this moment with action.”

The Foodbank is asking residents to get involved by showing support on social media, wearing orange on Sept. 9 for Hunger Action Day, volunteering at the Foodbank or making a donation. Each dollar contributed can help provide three meals.

For more information, visit akroncantonfoodbank.org/HAM or call 330-535-6900.