Give Money
Every dollar you donate to food pantries can provide enough food for four meals.
Donate individually or create a personal online fundraiser and share the link with family, friends and on your social media.
For instructions on how to create a virtual “Food & Funds Drive,” visit: https://www.akroncantonfoodbank.org/fundraise
By mail: Send checks payable to the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank
350 Opportunity Parkway, Akron, OH 44307-2234
By phone: Call 330-535-6900 Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
By online payment: https://www.akroncantonfoodbank.org/donate-money
Spend your time
The food bank is looking for volunteers for select shifts at both the Main and Stark County campuses.
Interested individuals or groups may volunteer in the pantry, sign in guests, pack orders, restock items or help with guest registration/intake.
There are also opportunities for volunteers to assist with food rescue program delivery, neighborhood distributions, office duties, warehouse management and special events.
First-time volunteers must fill out an application with their availability and volunteer interests.
Returning volunteers may self-schedule their shifts through the Volunteer Information Center.
Read more here: Food pantries see record demand following SNAP benefits reduction
Donate food products
Food donations are welcome, but be sure not to include previously opened items or glass bottles/jars.
Consider hosting a “Food & Funds Drive” with your family, business, school, church or community organization. The food bank has a guide on its website for hosting a drive, as well as creative ways to get your community involved.
To make a food donation, schedule a dropoff time for either campus.
Main Campus: 350 Opportunity Parkway, Akron, OH 44307
Stark County Campus: 1365 Cherry Ave. NE, Canton, OH 44714
Consider donating any of the “Super Six” most-needed items:
- Boxed cereal
- Peanut butter
- Canned tuna
- Canned vegetables (beans, green beans, carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, tomato products)
- Canned soup/stew
- Macaroni and cheese
Other priority items:
- Canned meats (salmon, Spam, ham, chicken)
- Canned meals (stew, chili)
- Canned fruit (applesauce, peaches, pears, pineapple)
- Condiments and dressings
- Dried pasta, rice and beans
- Cleaning supplies (laundry supplies, household cleaners)
- Paper products (paper towels, facial tissue, bathroom tissue)
- Personal care items (deodorant, shampoo, bath soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, hair care products)
Ways to find food assistance
Find a food program (pantries, meal sites and other hunger-relief programs)
The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank partners with nearly 600 organizations to provide hunger relief. Visit the online database to find a program near you. The interactive map allows you to find locations for securing a meal or take-home groceries.
You can schedule an appointment for pantry pickup or even arrange for someone to pick up the food for you.
When visiting a food program, be sure to bring your ID or driver’s license. If someone is picking up food on your behalf, they must have a proxy letter.
Foodbank distributions
The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank’s distribution center is under construction, so drive-thru distribution is held in the parking lot at 510 S. Main Street, behind the Spaghetti Warehouse building. Distribution is the first Thursday of each month from 1 to 3 p.m. The next distribution is Dec. 7.
The food bank’s Stark County Campus, located at 1365 Cherry Ave, NE in Canton, distributes food during the days and hours below:
Mondays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. (for advanced orders placed by 9 a.m. Monday)
- Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- 2nd Saturday of every month from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Pop-up pantries in Akron
Pop-up pantry distributions will take place at the times and locations listed below.
December 14, 2023, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
University of Akron
301 E Buchtel Ave. Lot 24, Akron, OH
December 21, 2023, 7:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.
Mason CLC
700 E Exchange St., Akron, OH
December 28, 2023, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Stark State College Akron
360 Perkins St., Akron, OH
Apply for SNAP Benefits
To apply for SNAP food assistance benefits, apply online or contact Summit County Job and Family Services at 844-640-6446. Those looking for assistance in Northeast Ohio may also contact the Greater Cleveland Food Bank at 216-738-2067.