Dear Friends, We hear the stories each day. As countless mothers and fathers wake, they’re not asking themselves what they should wear today, how heavy their workload will be at the office or plant, or if there is time to get the car’s oil changed. For them, the burning question of the moment is “How will I feed my family today?” It’s a hard fact that more than one in seven Ohio households are facing a risk of hunger or are food insecure – an increase of 71,000 households over the prior year. Hunger is widespread, which requires our response to be equally widespread. And in 2011, as in years past, it was. Our goal was nothing short of creating a better, more inclusive community, a place where those facing hunger, the young and old, families and individuals, could find relief; a place where those who stand beside us, donors and volunteers alike, can do their good work. A place for everyone. But securing a place for everyone means keeping our strong network in place. Together, in 2011, we did just that by increasing distribution to 19.4 million pounds and providing 14.9 million meals to families in need—made possible in part by a remarkable growth in local donations and an overwhelming amount of financial support that positioned the Foodbank to distribute more food than ever before. In addition, we created innovative ways, like our Feeding Kids Initiative, to help meet our community’s emergency food needs. Also, we rolled out new tools to engage and educate the public like our award-winning Hungry Kate animated video. By all measures, 2011 was a successful year. Looking ahead, 2012 is off to a great start as we were recently named the 2012 “Food Bank of the Year” by Feeding America. Of course, our true success is always the fact that throughout our eight-county region we provide a place for everyone to find hope; people who might otherwise have felt they had no place to go. Being that place, that open door at the pantry, that place at the shelter’s table: That’s what we’re here for, to Feed People and Fight Hunger. That’s true success. Sincerely,
Daniel R. Flowers President & CEO
George R. Sarkis Chairman, Board of Directors