OPEN M to Host Additional November Mountain of Food Distribution
In partnership with the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, OPEN M will host three Mountain of Food distributions throughout the months of November and December. The direct distributions will take place on Nov. 20, from 9 – 11 a.m., Nov. 24 from 2 – 4 p.m. and Dec. 18 from 9 – 11 a.m. The extra November Mountain of Food will take the place of the Thanksgiving Eve meal held at OPEN M in years past.
“We recognize that holidays are a stressful time for most people, but that stress is greatly intensified for those living in poverty, said Christine Curry, OPEN M CEO.
“It’s a heavy burden to bear when you don’t know where your family’s next meal will come from, much less a holiday meal. We hope that this extra food distribution will alleviate some of that worry.”
OPEN M’s Mountain of Food program distributes free food to those in need on the third Friday of every month. This program provides mainly perishable foods such as, bread, fresh vegetables, fruit, meat and more.
Due to the unprecedented need throughout Northeast Ohio, the Mountain of Food program has been extended beyond Summit County to residents of all counties with no referral required. Guests are served on a first-come-first-serve basis and asked to stay in their cars at all times while practicing current social distancing guidelines.
More than 54 million people may face food insecurity in 2020 due to COVID-19, including a potential 18 million children, according to Feeding America. In a typical year, more than 80 tons of food move through OPEN M’s doors and out into the community through a culmination of food programs. As unemployment continues to rise, along with food insecurity, OPEN M anticipates serving a record number of people in 2020. The Mountain of Food program is one of four programs provided by OPEN M to alleviate hunger in our community. For more information on OPEN M food programs, please call 330-434-0110 or visit www.openm.org/food-programs.
OPEN M is actively seeking volunteers to assist with the Mountain of Food program. To volunteer, please email volunteer@openm.org or call 330-434-0110 to speak with Development Manager, Jess Rist.