
Food banks play an important role in communities throughout Ohio, providing food and support for those in need. Given the challenges of the past year, more people than ever before need support from local food banks. Whether you volunteer your time or make a donation, food banks across Ohio need support from the community to help as many people as possible. Even a small donation can make a big difference in the life of someone in need, so we've put together a guide to 8 Ohio food banks where you can show your support and make a positive difference in the community.
15500 S. Waterloo Rd., Cleveland, OH 44110
Northeast Ohio is home to a wide variety of food banks, including the large Greater Cleveland Food Bank, which serves more than 400,000 people per year. In addition to providing meals and fresh produce, the Greater Cleveland Food Bank works to help people in need sign up for programs that can help them find long-term solutions to food insecurity. There are many ways that you can get involved, by making a planned donation, monthly donation, or contribution of non-perishable food items. There are also volunteer opportunities available in a wide variety of positions, from loading/unloading food to using specialized skills to help with large administrative projects within the food bank.
350 Opportunity Pkwy., Akron, OH 44307
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The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank has been serving eight counties around both cities for nearly 40 years by storing and distributing food to a large group of smaller food pantries in the area. With 83,000 square feet of warehouse space and 8,000 square feet of freezer space, the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank can serve more than 500 food pantries, shelters, and other non-profit organizations in the region. This foodbank is always accepting donations of food and funds, so it's easy to give back in a way that works for you. You can also volunteer in various support roles at the warehouse or help with food distribution in local communities.
5510 Baumhart Rd., Lorain, OH 44053
In its more than 35 years of serving Northeast Ohio communities, the Second Harvest Food Bank has distributed nearly 100 million pounds of food to those in need. The food bank distributes food to an organized network of food pantries and charity organizations throughout Northeast Ohio. Thanks to a new facility built in Lorain, Second Harvest Food Bank has tripled its capacity for food storage. You can help distribute all of that extra food or make a donation to ensure that the warehouse shelves are always stocked. The organization also needs volunteers to help package food backpacks, along with packages for senior centers and mobile food pantries.
667 E. 11th Ave., Columbus, OH 43211
NNEMAP Food Pantry is part of a coordinated network of food pantries in Columbus and beyond. While many food pantries distribute food based on ZIP codes, NNEMAP Food Pantry makes its services available to anyone who lives in Columbus regardless of where in the city they're located. Volunteers here help with food insecurity, hygiene products, food stamp access, and healthcare needs. You can make a difference as a delivery driver, client interviewer, inventory assistant, or a fundraiser. NNEMAP also accepts help from volunteer groups, if your friends, colleagues, or family would like to help contribute to a positive cause.
6700 Huntley Rd., Columbus, OH 43229
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Based in Columbus, the Worthington Resource Pantry serves southern Delaware and northern Franklin counties. In addition to nutritious food, the Worthington Resource Pantry also distributes many essential personal care items to those in need. With a small leadership team and a large, dedicated group of volunteers, this food bank is able to reach more people every year. You can volunteer to help sort and package food, in order to make the distribution process as smooth as possible. The Worthington Resource Pantry also welcomes donations of food, funds, and personal care items.
3960 Brookham Dr., Grove City, OH 43123
The Mid-Ohio Foodbank On-Site Pantry is part of the larger Mid-Ohio Foodbank network, serving local communities in various ways for more than 40 years. The network is one of the largest of its kind in Ohio and reaches communities throughout the state through more than 680 partner organizations in addition to its own food pantry. With such a large network, there are many ways that you can get involved. Your donations of non-perishable food or funds are always welcome, with every donation playing a small part in distributing more than 140,000 meals every day. There are also many volunteer opportunities available, both at the On-Site Pantry and at other Mid-Ohio Foodbank locations around the state.
1141 Central Pkwy., Cincinnati, OH 45202
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The Freestore Foodbank has a variety of locations around the Cincinnati area, including its main location on Central Parkway. This large food bank is part of the Feeding America network, with a variety of unique ways to contribute in addition to volunteering or donating directly. You can arrange a virtual food drive to raise money online, or participate in events like the Virtual Hunger Walk to help raise money for a diverse collection of local organizations which are working to address food insecurity around Cincinnati.
2020 Beechmont Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45230
The SEM Food Pantry provides support for those in need who are located in eastern Hamilton County and Clermont County, while establishing partnerships with other local organizations including the Freestore Foodbank. SEM Food Pantry operates a client-choice food pantry, which allows members to select their food as if they were at the store. You can volunteer to help by answering phones, helping clients choose food, stocking shelves, and collecting donations. If you aren't able to volunteer, donations of food and funds are crucial in helping SEM Food Pantry serve the community.
Every little bit adds up, so how will you show your love to organizations that work every day to make a difference in the lives of those in need?

Every day, dedicated volunteers at housing non-profits throughout Northeast Ohio invest their time and energy in helping people find safe, affordable housing where they can thrive. Non-profit organizations in Cleveland and beyond work hard to provide housing support for the people who need it most, without asking for anything in return. Volunteer Recognition Day, which takes place every year on April 20, presents the perfect opportunity to show some love to the housing volunteers in your community. Check out our list of 10 housing non-profits around Northeast Ohio where you can thank a volunteer this April.
1725 E. 115th St., Cleveland, OH 44106
Maximum Accessible Housing of Ohio is a Cleveland area non-profit that focuses on providing housing and support for people with physical mobility disabilities. They provide fully accessible, affordable housing where people with disabilities can live full, independent lives and work with other local non-profits that share the same mission. The organization also provides a variety of educational programs for senior citizens, people with disabilities, and anyone who's interested in learning about the importance about accessibility in housing.
231 6th St. NE, Canton, OH 44702
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YWCA Canton is a community organization focused on empowering women, eliminating racism, and providing assistance to families throughout the Canton area. The organization offers a variety of housing services, including emergency shelters, permanent supportive housing, and a unique rapid re-housing program. They also operate an early childhood learning center where local children can have safe daycare and education from certified teachers. Their THRIVE program is dedicated to helping the youngest residents and their families by advocating for better prenatal care and providing educational resources for new parents.
1360 E. 9th St., Cleveland, OH 44114
The team at Enterprise Community Partners is dedicated to addressing housing inequality from a wide variety of angles in cities across the country, including in Cleveland. Their work includes financing and development of homes, development of new solutions to address housing inequality, and advocacy for policies to address housing inequality at every level of government. They also provide resources and conduct research to help shed light on the challenges of housing inequality throughout the country.
2728 Euclid Ave. Ste. 200, Cleveland, OH 44115
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The Fair Housing Center for Rights and Research has been supporting fair housing rights in Northeast Ohio for nearly 40 years, which started with a small group of local fair housing and civil rights advocates. It has since grown into a large organization that advocates for fair housing policy, the elimination of housing discrimination, and promotion of community involvement in housing issues. They conduct research, offer educational programs, advocate for improved public policy, and work to enforce existing fair housing regulations.
1214 Market Ave. N, Canton, OH 44714
The team at ICAN Housing believes that a stable home is one of the keys to a stable life, and has more than 30 years of experience supporting people struggling with homelessness in Stark County. They take a holistic approach to fighting homelessness, which includes housing support services, affordable housing programs, and permanent supportive housing. They provide community outreach, help homeless people reenter the workforce, and provide extensive peer support. ICAN Housing also works with other non-profit organizations throughout the Stark County area that focus on addressing homelessness and providing affordable housing for those in need.
2999 Payne Ave., Cleveland, OH 44114
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CHN Housing Partners is a non-profit that aims to improve lives and create more equitable communities by creating affordable housing. They approach the challenge from multiple angles, by building affordable homes, providing housing services for people in need, and increasing the supply of affordable housing available throughout the Cleveland area. They have developed more than 6,500 affordable homes, provided housing services for more than 40,000 people annually, and helped thousands of people find new, affordable homes around Cleveland.
1545 W. 25th St., Cleveland, OH 44113
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With more than 35 years of experience working to eliminate homelessness and housing inequality throughout Cuyahoga County, Front Steps Housing and Services has a long tradition of helping local families find affordable permanent housing. They created a transitional housing facility to help families in need find a temporary residence, and work hard to make sure that those same families eventually find a permanent home to call their own. Front Steps also helps people get back on their feet with a diverse selection of educational programs to provide advice on independent living, help with behavioral health challenges, and prepare people to enter the workforce.
1331 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44115
The United Way of Greater Cleveland is part of a nationwide organization dedicated to addressing the challenges of poverty at their source and providing vital assistance for community members in need. The Community Hub for Basic Needs, a new program from the United Way, is designed to be a resource for providing housing assistance, and educational support to help people deal with the many challenges posed by poverty.
2226 W. 89th St., Cleveland, OH 44102
The Nueva Luz Urban Resource Center offers a comprehensive set of community services and resources in the Cleveland area. Housing resources are a big part of the mission at Nueva Luz URC, with programs that include assistance for finding affordable housing, help with finding grants for new homeowners, and assistance with covering the cost of key utilities. The organization also provides services to help people with nutritional, medical, and legal needs.
Whether you choose to volunteer your own time or recognize the work of the selfless volunteers in your community, Volunteer Recognition Day is a great chance to show your support.

With gyms closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many Northeast Ohio residents are struggling to keep fit. From YouTube videos to push-up and squat challenges, those who want to stay in shape have certainly found some creative outlets to do so.
For runners, a virtual 5K race is a fun and exciting way to enjoy the camaraderie of race day while still staying socially distant. How does it work? You simply register ahead of time, then, on the day of the race, run or walk in any place you choose. Your medal will be shipped directly to you!
Sound like fun? You're in luck! There's certainly no shortage of upcoming virtual races in the local area. For each of these races, you can complete your run (or walk) any time between the start and end dates. Unless otherwise noted, you may also choose between a 1-mile, 5K, 10K, half-marathon, or marathon run. You'll time yourself, and race officials will ask you to send them your time. The prices include your medal, race bib, and shipping.
Now that you know how everything works, here are a few you may want to check out.
Sunday, May 10th at 7 pm - Sunday, May 31st at 9 pm
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This very special virtual race is being held in honor of Zach Sobiech, who wrote the song "Clouds" when he was dying of osteosarcoma at only 18 years old. The cloud-themed medal was made to honor his legacy and his "anthem of hope."
This race is held in May, to celebrate Zach's birthday, and 15% of the registration fee will be donated to the Zach Sobiech Osteosarcoma Funds.
Saturday, May 16th at 7 pm - Sunday, May 31st at 9 pm
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You might not be able to give out real hugs right now, but you can virtually celebrate National Hug Day. For this race, 15% of the fees will go to the HUGS (Help Us Give Smiles) Foundation, Inc., an organization that gives free medical care to children and adolescents who have a cleft palate, cleft lip, microtia, and other facial deformities.
You can also purchase an official race t-shirt or hoodie if you want to show extra support!
Saturday, June 13th at 7 pm - Saturday, August 29th at 8 pm
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Did you know that National Toilet Paper Day is coming up on August 26th? Considering the craziness surrounding this essential product, it's only appropriate that a race is held in honor of it.
A minimum of 30% of your $22 entry fee will go to the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund through the World Health Organization. This charity helps provide frontline healthcare workers with essential supplies and supports research to speed the discovery of diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines.
Saturday, June 13th at 7 pm - Wednesday, September 30th at 8 pm
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One of the most essential, and under-recognized workers during the COVID-19 pandemic is the nation's truck drivers. These are the people who ensure that we're able to get food and critical medical supplies to the places that need them. Help support them by registering for the Get Truckin' 5K.
Thirty percent of each registration goes to the St. Christopher Truckers Development and Relief Fund. For a limited time, you can also purchase a limited-edition t-shirt or hoodie.
Saturday, June 20th at 7 pm - Sunday, August 23rd at 9 pm
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On January 26th of this year, the world lost the great Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna. This race is held in his honor. The distances for this race are slightly different. Choose from a 2-mile, 8K (4.97 miles), or 24K (14.91 miles) run or walk. These numbers were chosen for Gianna's jersey numbers (2, 8, and 24).
At least 34% of the registration cost will be donated to an organization that Bryant was passionate about After School All-Stars. You can also purchase an official t-shirt or hoodie.
Sunday, June 21st at 7 pm - Tuesday, June 30th at 9 pm
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Celebrate the important dads in your life and get a fun superhero medal! Run in honor of Dad, give the medal to him, or purchase an extra one to give as a gift.
The registration is $22 and15% of the fee to Team Hoyt, which works with disabled and physically challenged young people to help build their self-esteem, character, and confidence. If you'd like, you can also purchase a commemorative t-shirt or hoodie.
Saturday, June 27th at 7 pm - Monday, August 31st at 9 pm
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In honor of the 6-foot social distancing recommendations, this race features a medal that reads "We're all in this together, but six feet apart." At least 30% of all proceeds from this race's registration will go toward supporting Feeding America, which supports food banks across the country.
Thursday, August 20th at 7 pm - Mon. Nov. 30th at 9 pm
This race is held in celebration of World Children's Day, which occurs on November 20th. Registration for this event is $22 and 25% of this goes to support Feeding America.
Which of these awesome virtual 5K races are you going to do?