SUMMER 2012
DID YOU KNOW? The Foodbank plans to distribute five million pounds of fresh produce in 2012.
THE FOODBANK
FOCUS
A publication of the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank
Serving Carroll, Holmes, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit, Tuscarawas & Wayne Counties
Food brings smiles to hungry children Every parent wants the best for their children. As parents, we want to help our children establish a good foundation for their future physical health, academic achievement and economic productivity. Unfortunately, food insecurity is an 350 Opportunity Parkway Akron, OH 44307-2234 main: 330.535.6900 fax: 330.996.5337 akroncantonfoodbank.org
BOARD OF DIRECTORS George Sarkis, Chairman Richard Wilson, Vice Chairman Patricia Gibbs, Treasurer Mark Purtilar, Secretary
obstacle that threatens this foundation.
where food isn’t always readily available. “When we get home, can I have peanut butter?” That is what Lucas asked his mom after spending the morning waiting for a bag full of groceries from a pantry in Akron. Lucas’s mom, a medical technician, has been employed at
1 in 4 CHILDREN in our area IS FOOD INSECURE. In the service area of the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, 95,000 children under the age of 18 live in households that are food insecure —unable to consistently access adequate amounts of nutritious food necessary for a healthy life.
Shelly Allio Robert Bender Chris Coughlin James Deluca Michael J. Dowling Lia Easler Kristin Hannon Suzanne Hobson Nicole Koharik Michael Lapides Michael Moldvay Pamela Simpson Bernett Williams Jan Wojno
Children suffering from hunger are
Daniel R. Flowers PRESIDENT & CEO
thousands of children in our
vulnerable and face the potential of long-term consequences. If affected by food insecurity children are more likely to have behavioral problems, do poorly in school, require more medical care and suffer growth impairment
an assisted living center the past twelve years and took a vacation day to visit the pantry for the first time. Lucas is one of four sons and his mom shared that even working full-time, as a single parent, she struggles to keep herself and her boys fed. Lucas was delighted his mom was taking a day off work and spending it with him. It is just unfortunate that their time together would not be spent swimming or playing games. Lucas’ mom is grateful for the nutritious food they received from the pantry and is eager to share it with her growing boys. This extra nourishment will help Lucas and his three brothers grow, develop and learn just like their peers.
that precludes reaching their
We are grateful for your
full physical potential.
support of the Foodbank
Lucas, a 4-year-old who loves riding his bike and hanging out with his mom is among the area who live in households
as we work to alleviate food insecurity in our community and ensure that children have a better tomorrow and a strong foundation for the future.