Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning County wants to thank everyone who helped make this year's WFMJ Feed Our Valley campaign another success story.

This year, nearly 46,000 pounds of food were collected to benefit Second Harvest and those in need.

This year, Sparkle Market donations accounted for 22,909 pounds of the total 45,980 pounds. Additionally, $240,764 was also raised.

Although the 2024 campaign officially ended on December 15, Second Harvest says donations are still coming in, and they expect the total numbers to continue to rise. 

There have been many organizations, partnerships and volunteers that have come together to make this year successful:

  • Second Harvest partnered with a cattle farm near Salem to feed the valley with ground beef, a protein that families may not have access to. 
  • Volunteers of Churchill United Methodist Church help nearly 70 families a month, providing them with necessary groceries and toiletries. 
  • Teachers and students who operate the Hubbard High School pantry feed 43 families weekly, and they distribute about 50 grab-and-go bags daily.

"Feed Our Valley" began in 2007 when 21 News became aware of the growing population that was struggling to put food on their table in the Valley.

In the 18 years since its inception, a total of:

  • 1,088,586 pounds of food has been donated
  • More than $2 million has been collected

Second Harvest Food Bank benefits people of all ages through numerous programs. 

On its website, Second Harvest states that it operates over 40 school pantries where students may find items that will fit the needs of their households and mobile food pantries to help provide healthy foods to food deserts or underserved areas. 

 

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