Many communities in Ohio have limited resources for fresh and healthy foods. We are working hard to change this, and to build capacity.  It takes lots of resources, staff, and facility capacity to move and process high enough volumes of food to address these issues.  

 

• Ohio has one of the highest food insecurity rates in America.  Center of Hope has grown to be one of the largest food assistance operations in this part of Ohio.  The population we serve is resilient and appreciative.  Every day we see people who have worked hard and made right choices, struggling due to the fact that the cost of living has outpaced their income.  Food insecurity exists in every community, so it is important to build resources with capacity to support the amount of need.  

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• Over 1.6 million Ohioans go without enough healthy food to eat.  Hunger is complex and many people fall into a gap where they don't receive other social supports such as SNAP benefits or free meal programs.  Often, healthy foods are the most expensive foods, and processed foods are cheaper and more readily available.  Our vision is to provide a hybrid approach, offering both free and affordable fresh and healthy foods in ways that are accessible to everyone.  

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• Hunger is more common in rural communities.  Rural communities are at a high risk due to additional barriers, such as limited job opportunities and underemployment, lacking transportation or funds to travel, and more.  Our mobile programs help us to extend our reach and to be present and available to understand and meet the needs of marginalized people in smaller, more remote areas.  

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• Senior food insecurity has increased.  Seniors represent around 60% of the households Center of Hope serves.  Many of our senior customers have fixed incomes that have not kept pace with today's cost of living, so they struggle to afford heathy foods that they need to meet dietary needs.  

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