TOLEDO -- Community leaders from across the Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan joined ProMedica officials on Monday to address hunger as a health issue.
Toledo Mayor Mike Bell led a panel of speakers at the regional hunger summit, discussing ideas to help feed nearly a quarter of the region's population that does not have access to enough food to meet basic nutritional needs. About a quarter of Toledo's children live below the poverty line, and 1-in-6 Ohioans rely on food assistance programs.
"When we're looking at solutions we're actually solving a problem that's real and working with people who are in need and experiencing hunger," said Stephanie Cihon, ProMedica Director of Community Relations and Advocacy. She continued, "Collectively we can have a better impact."
Lisa Hamler-Fugitt from the Ohio Association of Food Banks and Denise Olson from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services discussed ways communities can jump-start fund-raising with campaigns such as "Back Pack Buddy" and "Dine Out" events, as well as utilizing several other state and federal programs. Impoverished families can also receive hunger assistance through The Toledo Seagate Food Bank and Toledo Northwestern Ohio Food Bank.
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