Published August 16, 2024
Fighting hunger year-round with the Foodbank
Equitable access to fresh, healthy food is important to the environment and the community’s health. Each year, your Five Rivers MetroParks encourages people to support their local food system by adopting sustainable living habits, gardening and partnering with community organizations on the frontline addressing food insecurity.
In late spring, Five Rivers MetroParks worked with The Foodbank, Inc. to distribute Garden to Go Kits. This program – sponsored by Dayton Children’s – provides all the necessities to start a small garden to those who need it most, allowing recipients to pad their pantries with fresh produce and herbs.
This September, The Foodbank, Inc. and its partner pantries will be visiting the 2nd Street Market for four food drives during Hunger Action Month. Food drives will be on Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to bring shelf-stable foods.
Items in high demand are:
- Shelf-stable fruit
- Jelly
- Peanut butter
- Shelf-stable protein
- Cereal/granola bars
- Chili
- Protein drinks
- Ravioli/Spaghetti O’s
- Soups/Ramen noodles
- Rice/pastas
Some of the Market’s vendors also will have non-perishable items available to purchase. Participating vendors will have an orange Hunger Action Month tote displayed at their booth indicating as such. Vendors can also assist shoppers with locating non-perishable items, as well.
Pantries will be on site to share their mission, collect food and more. Dates are:
Saturday, Sept. 7: The Foodbank, Inc.
Saturday, Sept. 14: 5 Loaves and 2 Fishes Pantry
Saturday, Sept. 21: Miami Valley Meals
Saturday, Sept. 28: Evangel Church of God
Stay up-to-date on holiday food drives and ways to donate food throughout the year by signing up for MetroParks’ monthly email newsletter.
