September 8, 2025, Press Release from West Ohio Food Bank:
LIMA, Ohio – Throughout history, people in America have united to drive change. This September, during Hunger Action Month, the West Ohio Food Bank is calling on all of the communities that we serve in our 11-county coverage area in west-central Ohio to come together once again to end hunger in America.
“People across the country have demonstrated immense care for their neighbors in crisis time and time again, helping to build stronger, more resilient communities,” said Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America. “Ending the hunger crisis in America is no different. When we all work together, alongside our neighbors facing hunger, we can find solutions to ensure that everyone has the food they need to thrive. This Hunger Action Month, our hope for the nation is to start building this new reality together, through unified action toward a shared vision of a hunger free America.”
“Hunger Action Day is a reminder that no one should have to choose between food and other basic needs,” said West Ohio Food Bank CEO Tommie Harner. “At West Ohio Food Bank, we are committed to ensuring every neighbor has access to nutritious meals, and we invite our community to join us in taking action—because together, we can end hunger. “
With the largest cuts to SNAP and Medicaid in history now signed into law, food and health care will soon be further out of reach for millions of people—including children. Hunger in America is a crisis—and together, we can meet this moment.
People can get involved locally by donating at wofb.org, or through actions such as these: Donate canned goods or non-perishable items, donate personal hygiene items, or host a food drive at a school, church, or business location by using one of our collection barrels.
WOFB To Hold Special Event on Hunger Action Day on Tuesday, Sept. 9
The West Ohio Food Bank will have a dunk tank event in the front lot of our building at 1380 E. Kibby St. on Tuesday, September 9, from 10am-2pm. Several WOFB Staff members will take turns, as members of the public are invited to stop by and take some tosses (1 toss $1.00, 7 tosses $5.00). Kristen Hobbs from the United Way of Greater Lima, as well as Dave from the 92.1 The Frog Morning Show will also give those in attendance the chance to dunk them in the dunk tank! All proceeds and donations collected will go to the United Way of Greater Lima’s annual campaign. Lima Mayor Sharetta Smith will be on hand with a proclamation about Hunger Action Month. Everyone is also asked to wear orange on Tuesday September 9th, as orange is the color of hunger awareness.
About Feeding America:
Feeding America is committed to an America where no one is hungry. We support tens of millions of people who experience food insecurity to get the food and resources they say they need to thrive as part of a nationwide network of food banks, statewide food bank associations, food pantries and meal programs. We also invest in innovative solutions to increase equitable access to nutritious food, advocate for legislation that improves food security and work to address factors that impact food security, such as health, cost of living and employment.
We partner with people experiencing food insecurity, policymakers, organizations, and supporters, united with them in a movement to end hunger. Visit www.FeedingAmerica.org to learn more.
About West Ohio Food Bank:
West Ohio Food Bank is the largest food distribution system in West Ohio coordinating, collecting, warehousing and distributing food. The process of getting food to individuals in need requires a dynamic infrastructure and sophisticated management. West Ohio Food Bank secures donations from national food and grocery manufacturers, retailers, shippers, packers and growers and from government agencies, individuals and other organizations. They in turn distribute food and grocery items, ensuring the safe storage and reliable distribution of goods to local food pantries and meal programs that served over 5 million meals to children, families, seniors and other groups at risk of hunger. For more information visit us at www.westohiofoodbank.org, find us on Facebook.com/West Ohio Food Bank or follow us on X.com/WestOhioFB. Sign up for text alerts about our distributions and events by texting the word WESTOHIOFOODBANK to 419-757-4981 and follow the instructions!
