LORAIN – Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio will kick off its Harvest for Hunger Campaign with a happy hour event on Thursday, Feb. 22. This event will usher in Second Harvest’s major food and funds drive of the year, which officially starts on Friday, March 1, and runs through the end of May.

“The kick-off is a fun way for us to share how important this campaign is and how we can have a huge impact when we all come together,” said Julie Chase-Morefield, president and CEO of Second Harvest.

The 2024 Harvest for Hunger community campaign aims to raise enough funds to cover 3.5 million meals for food-insecure neighbors in our region. Every dollar raised will help restock the shelves of over 130 local food pantries, hot meal programs and shelters.

Harvest for Hunger is an annual food and funds drive. Second Harvest organizes the campaign in partnership with Greater Cleveland Food Bank, Akron-Canton Food Bank and Second Harvest of the Mahoning Valley, serving 21 counties across northeast Ohio. This single campaign is the largest of its kind in the country and is crucial for Second Harvest and the region.

Local grocery stores Giant Eagle, Heinen’s and Buehler’s Fresh Foods support this campaign through Check Out Hunger at cash registers in their stores along with media partners, including newspapers, TV and radio stations. Local companies, businesses, organizations and civic clubs are a critical part of the campaign, running food and fund drives.

The Harvest for Hunger Kick-Off will be from 4 to 6 p.m. at Second Harvest at 5510 Baumhart Road in Lorain. The kick-off will have a short program featuring comments from this year’s honorary chairperson, Cynthia H. Andrews, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Lorain County. Guests can enjoy refreshments, win raffle prizes, pick up their campaign materials and meet others also involved in the effort. This event is open to all.

“I am honored to be the chairperson for the Harvest for Hunger campaign in 2024,” said Andrews. “It takes a village, and Second Harvest plays a crucial role as that community partner linking more than 130 partner charities, empowering them to address the evolving needs of our community. Second Harvest has provided the strategic vision and partnership, connecting food pantries and volunteers to provide for those less fortunate in our community.”

The food and funds raised from this campaign go directly to support their network of partners. During this time of increasing need, a successful 2024 campaign will offer the resources to restock shelves across our region with nutritious food for all those accessing services.

“When the cost for everyday essentials goes up, making ends meet is even harder,” said Chase-Morefield. “Please help if you can! Every $1 raised can provide seven meals to our community.”

If you or your organization want to support Harvest for Hunger, donate online at www.secondharvestfoodbank.org or contact Kathleen Brady at 440-434-2444.

Submitted by Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio.