SUMMIT COUNTY, OHIO—Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro’s Department of Job and Family Services (DJFS) is proud to announce a collaboration with the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank. The collaboration aims to provide pop-up food distributions at three different locations in Akron to help alleviate hunger and support the community’s most vulnerable populations on the heels of the elimination of SNAP emergency allotments.
The distribution will be open to all Summit County residents in need, regardless of their income level. Those who attend the distribution will receive a shelf stable food box (one per family) with items such as canned vegetables, rice, oats, etc. and a box of fresh produce.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank to address the urgent needs of our community members who are struggling to put food on the table,” said County Executive Ilene Shapiro. “We believe that this collaboration will have a significant impact on the lives of those in need, and we look forward to continuing our partnership to create positive change in our community.”
The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank and Summit County Department of Job and Family Services are committed to providing assistance and support to those who need it most, and this collaboration aligns with their mission to help alleviate hunger and poverty in Summit County. Both organizations have a proven track record of success in delivering vital services to the community, and this collaboration will leverage their expertise to achieve a greater impact.
“As families in our community grapple with decreased SNAP benefits, your Foodbank and our hunger-relief partners, with the support of County Executive Shapiro and Summit County Job and Family Services, are here to help,” said Katie Carver Reed, vice president of the Foodbank. “Families are being forced to make difficult choices, like paying for rent and utilities and nourishing groceries. We will continue to reach out and provide support for families in need.”
The food distributions will take place at the following locations, from 4 – 6 p.m.:
Thursday, March 16: AxessPointe Community Health Center (1400 S Arlington St., Akron, OH 44306)
Thursday, April 20: Buchtel CLC (1040 Copley Rd, Akron, OH 44320)
Thursday, May 18: North CLC (985 Gorge Blvd. Akron, OH 44310)
For more information on the pop-up food distribution event, please contact Summit County Department of Job and Family Services at 330-643-7225 or Raven Gayheart at the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank at 330-777-2317. SNAP recipients can also check their food assistance balance on the Self-Service Portal (SSP) at ssp.benefits.ohio.gov.
