YOUNGSTOWN  Needed now more than ever amidst the current food assistance crisis, 21 WFMJ and WBCB are launching their 19th annual "Feed Our Valley" campaign today to collect food and monetary donations for the Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley. The six-week campaign runs through Friday, Dec. 19.

The initiative, which began in 2007 after former news staff learned of children attending school hungry, aims to combat food insecurity across the Mahoning Valley, with all donations staying local.

A Long-Standing Legacy of Giving

Over the past 18 years, the generosity of viewers has helped the campaign provide a total of more than 11.4 million meals for those in need. This includes over $2 million in monetary donations and more than 1 million pounds of food.

 The Need Remains High

The Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley is the primary beneficiary of the effort and continues to see high demand.

  • The Food Bank receives more than 20,000 requests for food each week through its 160 pantries across the Mahoning Valley.
  • In 2024, the Food Bank distributed over 10.6 million pounds of food, which is equivalent to 8.8 million meals.
  • Hunger affects all ages: In 2024, 28% of those needing food were children, and 26% were senior citizens.
  • The Food Bank also operates school pantries at over 35 sites in the tri-county area, having served 62,075 individuals through those sites.

How to Donate

Community members can contribute to the "Feed Our Valley" campaign through several methods:

  • Food Donations: All local Sparkle Markets will be collecting non-perishable food items throughout the campaign.
    • Most Needed Items: Cereal, canned vegetables, canned soup, canned fruit, dry pasta, macaroni and cheese, peanut butter, and tuna.
  • Monetary Donations:
    • Every $1 donated provides 5 meals for the Mahoning Valley.
    • Donations can be made by mail or through the Second Harvest Food Bank website at MahoningValleySecondHarvest.org.
  • Host a Food Drive: Local businesses and organizations are encouraged to host their own food drives to contribute to the overall effort.

Food Bank Executive Director Mike Iberis helped kick off the campaign with an appearance on WFMJ Today this morning.