Introduction: I feel fortunate to be employed by a company that consistently provides numerous opportunities for us to give back throughout the year. Today, as part of Goodyear’s Global Week of Volunteering, I felt a sense of pride and joy as I joined my teammates in contributing to the local community. Our chosen organization was the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, a vital pillar in the fight against hunger in Northeast Ohio. In this blog post, I will share our experience and shed light on the remarkable work done by the Foodbank.
About Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank: The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank was founded in 1982 by a group of compassionate community leaders committed to providing emergency food to those in need. Over the years, it has grown into a remarkable organization that serves eight Northeast Ohio counties: Carroll, Holmes, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit, Tuscarawas, and Wayne. The Foodbank acts as a distribution center, efficiently collecting, sorting, and distributing food to member hunger-relief programs.
How They Work: The Foodbank operates from an 83,000 square foot warehouse, which includes 8,000 square feet of refrigeration and freezer space. It sources food donations from corporate food donors, state and federal food assistance programs, and Feeding America, the national food bank network. Additionally, the Foodbank purchases large quantities of food at reduced prices through a dedicated program supported by financial donations.
The heart of the Foodbank is its Volunteer Center, where generous individuals like us contribute thousands of hours each year. Here, donated food is inspected, sorted, and repackaged, ensuring it is ready for distribution. The warehouse is a bustling hub where hunger-relief programs place food orders and collect them for distribution through food pantries, hot meal sites, and shelters, providing sustenance to approximately 263,200 people annually.
Mission, Vision, and Values: The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank’s mission is to lead a collaborative network that empowers people to experience healthy and hunger-free lives. Their dedicated team not only distributes food but also advocates, engages, and convenes the community in the fight to end hunger. Their vision is a thriving community free of hunger.
To achieve their mission and vision, the Foodbank embraces a set of core values. Compassion is at the forefront, as they act with kindness, grace, and a willingness to help. Collaboration is key, as they work together to leverage the wisdom of collective thinking. Service is their commitment, always striving to exceed expectations. Integrity is a fundamental principle, pursued through ethical, credible, and honorable conduct. Inclusion is fostered, creating an environment where all people feel safe, welcomed, respected, and valued. Finally, the Foodbank embraces innovation, embracing creativity, risk-taking, and an openness to being different.
Conclusion: Our experience volunteering at the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank during Goodyear’s Global Week of Volunteering was incredibly fulfilling. Witnessing the dedication and impact of the Foodbank’s work was inspiring, as they strive to create a thriving community free of hunger. We left with a profound appreciation for the collective effort required to fight hunger and a renewed commitment to making a difference.
If you’re looking for an opportunity to contribute to your community, I highly recommend getting involved with your local food bank or hunger-relief organization. Together, we can create a world where no one has to go to bed hungry.
DinkLife 