Local foundations, city partner with Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank to address SNAP benefit shortfalls and rising food insecurity with $250K in funding
AKRON, Ohio (Nov. 5, 2025) – A coalition of philanthropic and public partners is coming together to support Summit County residents facing growing food insecurity following reductions in federal SNAP benefits. The City of Akron, GAR Foundation, Akron Community Foundation and the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank have aligned efforts to provide coordinated funding and expanded food access throughout the region.
Akron Community Foundation will provide funding to the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank to support immediate food purchases to bolster food supplies at pantries across Summit County. In addition, ACF will deploy $100,000 through its Food Pantry Capacity Fund to support hunger-relief programs in targeted areas of Summit County. The Food Pantry Capacity Fund is designed to strengthen the infrastructure that makes food access possible, supporting efforts such as increasing storage, extending service hours, and adding staff or equipment.
“This is a moment that calls for us to stand together,” said John F. Garofalo, President and CEO of Akron Community Foundation. “Many of our neighbors are facing real uncertainty about where their next meal will come from. By coordinating our efforts, we can make sure support reaches people quickly and helps ease that burden.”
GAR Foundation has committed an additional $50,000 to the Foodbank, beyond its operating grant of $90,000 earlier this year, in order to bolster food distribution and support the organization’s expanded operations.
“Our focus is on the families and individuals who are carrying the weight of this crisis,” said Christine Mayer, President of GAR Foundation. “They deserve to know that their community sees them, values them, and is working together to make sure they have what they need to get through this difficult time.”
Akron City Council voted Monday evening to provide $100,000 to the Foodbank. “Akron remains committed to supporting our community,” said Akron Mayor Shammas Malik.
“As Mayor, with the support of Council President Margo Sommerville and Akron City Council, we introduced and passed legislation on Monday authorizing support for the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank. It is encouraging to witness collaborative funding efforts among various cities and philanthropic organizations to benefit local residents. Given that more than 51,000 Akron residents depend on SNAP benefits, this support will provide meaningful assistance during these uncertain times.”
Together, these commitments represent a unified approach to addressing food insecurity at a time when many households are experiencing new or deepening hardship.
The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank has already activated an emergency distribution plan focused on both sourcing and access. Beginning Monday, Nov. 3, the Foodbank’s onsite pantries are open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, with extended evening and weekend hours on November 12, 15, and 20. Additional regional distribution sites are being finalized to ensure that food reaches communities with the highest need.
“Our focus is on moving as much food as possible into the community and removing barriers for families facing hunger,” said Dan Flowers, President and CEO of the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank. “This is what partnership looks like in action – each organization playing a role that strengthens the whole.”
The partners will continue to monitor local needs and coordinate future efforts as the situation evolves. For more information or to find food assistance, visit akroncantonfoodbank.org or call 2-1-1 to be connected to local resources.