Stark County Hunger Task Force

Our Mission: The Stark County Hunger Task Force fights hunger in our community by providing financial, logistic, strategic, and food support to our network of local emergency food pantries.

Our Vision: We believe our work does more than just provide free groceries to those in need: we ease anxiety, inspire hope, and promote wellness. By alleviating hunger in Stark County, we are building a stronger community.

We have been fighting hunger in our community since 1981. The foundation of our organization is our Pantry Support Network. This neighborhood based model meets people right where they are. Our network pantries work hard fighting food insecurity in their neighborhoods. Each pantry operates differently, aiming to meet the need of their clients. Fighting hunger is not a "one size fits all" mission. Our pantry leaders know their clients and their communities, they operate their pantries in ways that work for the people they serve. Making their services accessible and building a sense of community. Our Pantry Support is 35 pantries strong and serves over 34,000 Stark County residents each month. 

Our Backpack for Kids program provides weekend meals to children all across Stark County. Our Backpacks contain two breakfasts, two lunches, two snacks, and shelf stable milk or juice. This program is currently serving close to 1,000 children each week. 

Hunger can have devastating effects on an individual's physical and mental well being. In adults, hunger can lead to chronic illnesses such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. They are also more prone to anxiety and depression. Children who are food insecure can experience delayed development, low academic achievement, and struggle with behavioral problems in school.