YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- Second Harvest Food Bank will kick off its 24th annual Harvest for Hunger campaign next Wednesday. The food and funds drive, which runs through April, aims to help stock Second Harvest’s shelves for the spring and summer months when donations decline.

Last year’s campaign raised $175,849 and collected nearly 60,000 pounds of food. All funds raised and food collected remain in Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties.

The food bank distributes food to 153 hunger relief organizations in the tri-county area that include church pantries, homeless shelters and soup kitchens, shelters for battered women and after-school programs.  Last year it distributed 9.5 million pounds of food, including two million pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Anyone interested in participating in the Harvest for Hunger campaign by conducting a food and/or funds drive to benefit the Food Bank is asked to contact Paige Tomlinson-Miller at 330 792 5522, ext. 11, or visit the Second Harvest website to download a registration form.

Financial contributions may also be made at supermarket sponsor Giant Eagle by tearing off a $1, $5 or $10 coupon at the register Feb. 22 through April 11 and at participating Sparkle Markets and Walgreens  March 1 though April 11. Donations are added to the bill at checkout.

This year’s sponsors are Giant Eagle, television stations WFMJ and WBCB, The Vindicator, Cumulus radio stations HOT 101, K-105 and Y-103, and United Food and Commercial Workers Local 880.

SOURCE: Second Harvest Food Bank

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
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