North Canton Cares Pantry expands services with new location

The North Canton Cares Pantry exists to provide food, household items, hope and encouragement to local families, veterans and first responders in need. It is a partnership between the North Canton City School District, local churches and the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank. The pantry strives to serve every guest with dignity. The North Canton Cares Pantry is a 501(c)(3) organization supported by community donations, local churches and area organizations.

The pantry recently opened a new location at 5948 Mayfair Road in North Canton and is already serving 40% more families than before. With this growth comes a greater need for food and funding to ensure every neighbor has access to healthy nourishment.

The public was invited to a ribbon-cutting celebration Nov. 2 after the pantry moved to the new facility Sept. 1. The event was both a celebration and a call to action, marking the pantry’s growth while rallying community support to meet a sharp rise in need. The pantry set a goal to raise $50,000 to help keep shelves stocked and food accessible through the December holiday season. Nearly $42,500 was raised at the event.

Executive Director Matt Ile previously served as a teacher and administrator beginning in 1991 and finished his career as principal at Clearmount Elementary in the North Canton City School District.

“When government systems are not sufficient, it’s the community that steps up,” Ile said. “Every can, every dollar and every hour volunteered helps feed a neighbor – and that’s what caring looks like.”

Previously, the pantry operated out of Summit Church at 1300 Pittsburg Ave. NW in North Canton. Associate Pastor Jeff Dayton said the move allows the pantry to better meet the community’s growing needs.

“We built this pantry to serve hope,” Dayton said. “The increase in families coming through our doors made moving to a new facility better for our neighbors needing assistance. We continue to ask our community to come together and help us meet the food insecurity challenge.”

The pantry is open twice a month on the second and fourth Mondays. Distribution times are typically organized into time slots to help operations run smoothly. On Feb. 9, the pantry served veterans and military families from 10 a.m.-noon, parents and school-pickup commuters from 1-3 p.m., and from 6-7:30 p.m. the pantry was open to anyone unable to attend earlier.

The service area includes residents in ZIP codes 44630, 44685, 44709, 44718, 44720 and 44721. The pantry also serves all veterans, active-duty military members and first responders regardless of ZIP code.

Community members can support the pantry by volunteering, donating funds or contributing supplies. Volunteers help stock shelves, greet guests and assist with distribution, while donations help the pantry provide fresh produce, dairy and other essential foods. A donation of $25 can help feed a family of four for a week.

Food donations are also welcomed. Frequently needed items include peanut butter, jelly, condiments, salad dressing, spaghetti sauce in cans or plastic jars, canned tuna or chicken, oatmeal, macaroni and cheese, canned fruit, crackers, ramen noodles, sloppy joe mix, cake or brownie mixes, granola or cereal bars and canned ravioli or spaghetti.

Personal care products such as toilet paper, paper towels, tissues, deodorant, shampoo, body wash, shaving cream, vitamins, feminine hygiene products and toothpaste are also appreciated.

Donated items can be dropped off at Summit Church or the pantry. For more information, volunteering opportunities or donation details, visit nccpantry.com or the North Canton Cares Pantry Facebook page.