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In Stark County alone, 15.3% of the population (57,730 people) and 23.8% of children (20,650) are considered “food insecure.” In an effort to address this issue, Stark Community Foundation (SCF), in collaboration with The Paul and Carol David Foundation and Sisters of Charity Foundation of Canton, announced today that nearly $250,000 in grants have been awarded to local organizations that are working to ensure food security in the county.
In 2013, SCF took a proactive approach to address food security and since then much has been accomplished. An analysis was conducted of current food security efforts to gain a better understanding of the role food has in developing a secure, healthy and economically vital community. This comprehensive research study created a framework for addressing food security that mixes food access, community education, economic development and emergency services. In January of this year, SCF announced its findings and made a commitment to provide planning and implementation grants to organizations that are finding long-term solutions to hunger.
“We wanted to take a proactive approach to this growing challenge by providing funding to organizations that are tackling this issue” said Mark Samolczyk, president of Stark Community Foundation. “We also know how powerful partnerships can be, which is why we required grant proposals that were reflective of a collaborative/multi-organization effort.”
The first round of food security funding was provided to Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank and Alliance Community Pantry, both receiving planning grants. Implementation grants were awarded to JRC, Minerva United Methodist Church, Stark County Hunger Task Force and Walsh University.
One‐year planning grants were awarded up to a maximum of $15,000 per project. Implementation grants were awarded over a one‐to‐three year time period with a maximum award of $100,000 per project.
The Paul and Carol David Foundation and Sisters of Charity Foundation of Canton partnered with SCF to invest in organizations that are committed to building a food secure future.
“Partnering with other foundations allows us to combine our efforts to achieve the greatest possible impact in the community,” Samolczyk added. “This collaboration is a true testament to our dedication to improving the quality of life for Stark County residents.”
The next opportunity to apply for a future of food security grant will be summer 2016. To learn more about this initiative, visit starkcf.org.
About Stark Community Foundation
Stark Community Foundation is the community’s trusted partner in giving to over 600 individuals, families, businesses, and communities that have created funds to impact the lives of others through the most effective philanthropy possible. Serving the community for more than 50 years, Stark Community Foundation ranks in the top ten percent of community foundations in the United States and has granted $128 million to nonprofit organizations.