During Hunger Action Month, community organizations in Allen, Hardin, and Marion counties are connecting with The Ohio State University (OSU) and local OSU Extension teams for food kindness.
Food Packing Service Project
To contribute to healthier, hunger-free Ohio communities, 800 students, staff, faculty, alumni, and other volunteers came together to pack 200,000 meals at the French Field House on the OSU Columbus campus on Tuesday evening, September 26.
Food Distribution Service Project
On Thursday, September 28, 2023, community organizations in Allen, Hardin, and Marion counties came together to celebrate kindness in the local food community as OSU delivered 200,000 shelf-stable meals. The food was delivered at Ohio State regional campuses in Marion and Lima, as well as the Hardin County Fairgrounds, via the official Ohio State Football equipment truck owned by Ken Blair. As part of these local communities, OSU Extension organized the distribution of the assembled meals to local non-profit organizations in each county. Addressing food security throughout the year takes an entire community. Champions spreading kindness in their local food community were recognized at each location.
This event can prompt conversations about food security with friends, families, colleagues, and neighbors. The program is a collaboration among the OSU Buckeye community, including Ohio State Student Life, Athletics, the Chief Wellness Officer, the Alumni Association, the College of Food Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) and local OSU Extension teams, including SNAP-Ed community nutrition. Grant funding provided by Coca-Cola and the 9-11 Day Foundation.
2022 Urban October overview:
- 2022 Urban October Story (CFAES News)
- OSU Kindness Food Insecurity Packing & Distribution (media coverage)
- Complete 2022 Urban October Archive
2021 Urban October overview:
- Urban October News Article (including video)
- Food Distribution News Article (including video)
- Complete 2021 Urban October Archive