The rising costs of food, gasoline and housing, combined with restrictions on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, makes the Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio Harvest for Hunger campaign more critical than ever, the agency reports.
Julie Chase-Morefield, president and CEO for Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio. (Submitted)
Residents and shoppers can come and meet local personalities, honorary champions and members of local Rotary Clubs at Second Harvest’s celebrity bagging events at Giant Eagle stores, according to a news release.
The Harvest For Hunger campaign, which runs through June, helps restock the shelves at more than 125 local food pantries, hot meal programs and shelters.
There are many ways to get involved, including donating at secondharvestfoodbank.org, running a food drive, participating in a company campaign or visiting a local grocery store, according to the release.
Check Out Hunger allows shoppers to make a Harvest For Hunger donation at Giant Eagle, Heinen’s or Buehler’s Fresh Foods.
Last year, these $2, $5 and $10 donations added up to over $235,000.
Celebrity bagging events
Avon Lake Mayor Mark Spaetzel (Submitted)
• From 3-5 p.m. April 17 at Giant Eagle, 31990 Walker Road in Avon Lake. The celebrities are Avon Lake Mayor Mark Spaetzel, former Avon Lake Mayor Greg Zilka, former Cleveland Browns player Hanford Dixon, members from North Coast Rotary Club, Lake Erie Crushers mascot Stomper and Julie Chase-Morefield, president and CEO for Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio.
• From 4-6 p.m. May 1 at Giant Eagle, 4453 Liberty Ave. in Vermilion. The celebrities are members of the Vermilion Rotary Club and Chase-Morefield.
• From 3-5 p.m. May 8 at Giant Eagle, 2201 Kresge Drive in Amherst. The celebrities are Tiffany Tarpley, anchor at TV Channel 5; members of the Lorain Rotary Club and Chase-Morefield.
• From 3-5 p.m. May 15 at Giant Eagle, 320 Market Drive in Elyria. The celebrities are Elyria Mayor Kevin Brubaker, members of the Elyria Rotary Club, Lorain County Chamber President Nico Samaniego, Elyria City Schools Superintendent Ann Schloss, Elyria High School mascot Petey, members of the Elyria High football team and Chase-Morefield.