Correction:
This article was updated to reflect the additional hours and days of food distribution at the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, and to correct how long the First Baptist Church of Akron has run its food pantry.
With the government shutdown entering its fifth week, families losing SNAP benefits and furloughed federal workers not receiving paychecks, the demand for groceries and hot meals is expected to be greater than ever.
Support organizations throughout Summit County are rallying to provide essentials for individuals and families in need via their food pantries and grocery distribution channels.
The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank supplies food to about 600 hunger relief programs across the region, and its website lists food programs that are searchable by geography so participants can get help nearby.
The 501(c)(3) nonprofit also hosts a food pantry at its main campus in the Venarge Family Food Pantry and Resource Center at 350 Opportunity Parkway downtown — its days and hours have been temporarily extended to help meet the increased need caused by the federal shutdown.
The new hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Additional days and hours the pantry will be open include:
- Wednesday, Nov. 12 from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 15 from 9 – 11 a.m.
- Thursday, Nov. 20 from 6 – 8 p.m.
The food bank also funds and stocks a traveling popup food pantry — new locations were added this week, with more to come.
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When visiting a food program, be sure to bring identification or a driver’s license. If someone is picking up food on behalf of a friend or relative — perhaps they are elderly or unable to leave their house — the person picking up the food must have a proxy letter.
‘We need to help each other out’
Jo Ann Kist, pantry manager at First Baptist Church of Akron, is a longtime volunteer with her church’s food distribution program, which was established 20 years ago.
”With help from the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, the program provides free groceries on the third Saturday of each month from noon to 2 p.m.
“People start lining up around 9:30 a.m.,” she said.
When she began managing the pantry six years ago, the program served 50 households each month. At that time, people would come into the church to select food items — people who need groceries only need to bring a driver’s license with them.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, people would drive up and volunteers would load groceries into their vehicle. This more efficient drive-through format continues today.
Kist said during the program’s largest distribution day last November, they supplied groceries to 146 households in two hours. Since the beginning of 2025, she said the number of households receiving groceries dropped to about 85 each month — but with so many people currently in need, the weather getting colder and holidays on the way, she’s anticipating an increase in demand.
Kist said the program receives help from a dedicated crew of volunteers, including congregants, Scout troops, members of the Alcoholics Anonymous group that meets at the church, and area neighbors.
One program participant who received assistance told her, “I’m alive today because of you.”
“That just gives me goosebumps,” Kist said. “We don’t look at anyone’s income. If someone needs food, we’re going to give it to them. There’s no judgment. We’ve all been in situations, and we need to help each other out. Don’t be embarrassed to come. There’s no need for someone to be short on food.”
How can I help the food bank help others?
There are a variety of options that individuals or groups can choose to help the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank’s mission to assist community programs.
- Contributing money: Every dollar donated can provide enough food for three meals. Checks should be made payable to the food bank and can be mailed to 350 Opportunity Parkway, Akron, OH 44307-2234. Donations can also be made online or by calling 330-535-6900. Check with your employer to see if they match charitable donations.
- Donating products: Boxed and canned food, cleaning supplies, paper products and personal care items are welcome and can be dropped off at the food bank’s Akron campus or Stark County campus at 1365 Cherry Ave., NE, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The most-needed food items are boxed cereal, canned soup/stew, canned tuna, canned vegetables, macaroni and cheese and peanut butter. A list of other needed items can be found here.
- Volunteering your time: The food bank is looking for volunteers to take on two- to three-hour shifts Monday through Friday at its Akron and Stark County campuses. Volunteers must complete an application to participate and be at least 10 years old. Those 15 years old and under must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or group chaperone.
How can I find food assistance?
Signal Akron has compiled a day-by-day list of local organizations offering free groceries through food pantries and providing hot meals and other services.
The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank also has a helpful page online to help find pantries and meals in the area.
Check with the venue before attending, in case of last-minute date or time changes, and don’t forget to bundle up, in case the weather is cold and you have to wait in line outside.