CLEVELAND, Ohio– Cars have been lined up outside of the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank for hours waiting on food distribution, representatives tell me they are now serving over three times the amount of families than usual. The Akron-Canton regional food bank changed gears from its monthly food distribution program to one that has become a weekly event to support the thousands of people in Northeast Ohio in facing food insecurity due to the COVID-19 crisis. Foodbank CEO Dan Flowers says over 1 thousand cars line up for each distribution.

“They sat here for three hours for two boxes of protein, two boxes of chicken, two boxes of produce, and a bag of toilet paper. so, not a lot of people would wait for three hours for that, unless they really needed it.” Flowers says.

Many in need say they are seeking this type of assistance for the first time.

Organizations like the food banks have been seeing and meeting an influx of need for over three months now, and say the challenge for them is that they’re serving community members and also depending on the community in order to continue operating.

“We live day to day donation to donation. And so that’s why we’re always out making appeals because there won’t be a food bank if the community doesn’t support it. it’s that simple.” Flowers says.

Flowers says countless people have donated their stimulus checks to the foodbank, and made other monetary donations, allowing the foodbank to buy food directly. Something flowers say they don’t usually need to do. So the donations from major food companies are typically enough. Other organizations like the salvation army of Akron, are also counting on the generosity of the community to keep serving those in need. Major Joseph Irvine says the organization’s family store has taken a major hit due to the pandemic. The store was able to re-opened a few weeks ago.

“At first, there was a bit of a spike, and then it kind of leveled out, and we’re offering I would say on average at about 60% of last year sales, so it is still hurting us.” Irvine says

The family store fully funds its Salvation Army’s adult rehabilitation program. And Irvine says the need for those services has gone up since the coronavirus hit.

We’re nervous. It’s desperately needed. The program is desperately needed, but retail across the country, you know when you start seeing big box stores going out of business. It’s not a slam dunk. it’s a lot of work, and it’s dangerous territory.” Irvine says

Both Irvine and Flowers acknowledge that almost everyone has been impacted by the coronavirus in some way, and say they are grateful for those who choose to donate and support these critical organizations even during this historically tough time.

“There’s never a day here that we don’t depend on that generosity.” Flowers says.