Foodbank pantry pops up in Perry - Canton Repository

Foodbank pantry pops up in Perry - Canton Repository

The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank distribution will be from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday at New Life Tabernacle Church.

PERRY TWP. The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank in partnership with the Stark County Hunger Task Force is expanding its distribution effort to a new west Stark location.

A direct distribution of free food, or "popup pantry," is slated from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday inside New Life Tabernacle Church, 3542 12th St. NW.

Distributions will continue in the township, being held at the same time on the second Tuesday of each month.

"We know the need is great there. It's been determined that Perry was in need (of food) in some form," said Raven Gayheart, communications manager of the foodbank.

As many as 16,000 pounds of food — or enough to feed up to 200 families — can be passed out in approximately two hours during the distribution, Gayheart said. The foodbank, which utilizes funds raised via the Harvest for Hunger Campaign, absorbs all program costs, so the food comes at no charge to the church or to those receiving.

Gayheart said the bulk of edibles available Tuesday will be baked goods, bread and fruits and vegetables.

About 54,000 people in Stark County are in need of food, according to Gayheart, who said more than 17,000 are under age 18. In 2018, the Akron-Canton Foodbank helped to provide approximately 6.3 million meals countywide.

Families who qualify are to be 200 percent below the national poverty level, Gayheart said, adding that folks seeking food are only required to bring a photo ID and say they are in need.

In addition to the doling out of food in Perry, the organization also offers a distribution at Canton Calvary Mission, 1345 Gibbs Ave. NE in Canton. That event is held the first Monday of every month from 2 to 4 p.m. and is open to the public.

The Perry and Canton distributions are made possible through funding from Huntington Bank and Stark Community Foundation, as well as The Parke K. and Josephine B. Allensworth Memorial Fund, The William J. Lemmon Charitable Fund and The James K. and Carol Luntz Charitable Fund.

"This partnership allows us to continue our 38-year mission of fighting hunger in Stark County, and will be an excellent extension of our current local programs by bringing food directly to those who need it most," said Maureen Kampman Tate, executive director of the Hunger Task Force, in a news release.

The foodbank has assisted area residents who struggle with hunger, since 1992. The agency partners with 108 hunger-relief programs countywide.

Reach Steven at 330-775-1134 or at steven.grazier@indeonline.com.
On Twitter: @sgrazierINDE