Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro, Summit County Council, and United Way of Summit & Medina have partnered to provide more than $56,000 in grocery gift cards to families facing food insecurity across the greater Akron area.

The one-time initiative focused on households impacted by delayed SNAP benefits in November, when demand for food assistance increased. Summit County Council approved $25,500 for grocery gift cards and authorized the use of remaining cards from a previous county gun buyback program to allow for rapid distribution.

County Executive Shapiro and County Council also approved an additional $10,000 to support United Way’s administration of the program and expand capacity for the 211 helpline, which saw a surge in calls for assistance.

Using United Way’s 211 data, nonprofit organizations serving the highest-need zip codes were selected to participate. Partner agencies included Friends in Tents and Community Outreach, Good Neighbors Community Outreach and Food Center, Open M, First Faith Development, Common Threads Closet, and First Congregational Church of Akron.

Each organization chose local grocers based on accessibility for families served. Gift cards were purchased from Dave’s Supermarket, Acme, Marc’s, and ALDI, with many already distributed to families.

“This initiative represented meaningful, immediate support for families who are struggling to make ends meet,” said Annie McFadden, president and CEO of United Way of Summit & Medina.

County Executive Shapiro said the county acted quickly to address urgent need, while Summit County Council President Rita Darrow said the effort aimed to bring comfort to families facing unexpected food shortages during the holiday season.

The collaborative effort provides timely, practical support to Summit County families as they head into the holidays.