Press Releases & Media Statements

In Ohio, more than one in seven workers remain unemployed, and recent polls show one in four Americans missed last month’s rent or mortgage or have little to no confidence they can pay next month on time. Food insecurity rates have nearly doubled in Ohio from 13.9% to 23%, according to the Census Household Pulse Survey. The Census found that just in the past week, nearly 350,000 Ohio households have reported receiving free food from a food pantry, school or children’s program, or other source, such as a neighbor.

“Our senior management team at the association has never just ‘stuck to hunger issues’ before, and we’re not going to start now. I’m reaffirming that we’re here to join our fellow advocates in speaking out against racial injustice and speaking up for reforms and accountability. These are big problems that take everyone lending their voice. We can’t correct the food injustices in this country while racial injustice remains.”

"After weeks of bureaucratic haggling and red tape, the Ohio Association of Foodbanks is relieved that staff, volunteers and members of the Ohio National Guard and Ohio Military Reserve working and serving at Ohio's foodbanks and food pantries have won approval for a program that will better protect their health and safety and meet the needs of struggling Ohioans during this crisis."

“We deeply appreciate the generosity of the AT&T Foundation and other organizations who have stepped up to help during this public health crisis,” said Lisa Hamler-Fugitt, executive director of the Ohio Association of Foodbanks. “That being said, there is still immense need for donations and support as the COVID-19 pandemic is causing mass layoffs, reduced wages, lost school meals, and significant financial pain for millions of Ohioans, which is forcing many into our food lines – often for the very first time.”

“Ohio’s foodbanks commend Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton, Ohio Adjutant General MG John C. Harris Jr., and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services for their steadfast support and leadership,” said Lisa Hamler-Fugitt, executive director for the Ohio Association of Foodbanks. “We welcome these National Guard members as part of our foodbank family and thank them for their dedication and diligence in the weeks ahead. We encourage our clients and community members to join us in welcoming them with gratitude and friendship as they assist us in our important work.”

“Our foodbanks are adapting to this public health crisis swiftly and expertly, thanks to their training and experience in responding in crisis and disaster,” said Lisa Hamler-Fugitt, executive director of the Ohio Association of Foodbanks. “But this pandemic poses serious challenges to our normal food distribution channels, as well as Ohio’s broader response to food insecurity. We are urging fast, definitive action from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, the USDA, Congress and the President to mitigate the rising risk of hunger amid this outbreak.”