Council Approves $50,000 Donation to Support Local Food Drive

Medina City Council has approved a significant donation to assist residents facing food insecurity. On November 24, 2023, council members unanimously agreed to allocate up to $50,000 to Feeding Medina County, with the aim of helping city residents in need during the upcoming holiday season. The funds will specifically be used for the purchase and distribution of food for Medina residents, ensuring that taxpayer dollars directly benefit the local community.

During the finance committee meeting, Council President John Coyne emphasized the importance of this initiative. “These are taxpayer dollars, so the funds should be going back to the people of the city,” he stated. Coyne noted that approximately 11.4 percent of Medina’s population relies on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or similar assistance programs. He highlighted the need to extend support to the city’s most vulnerable residents, particularly as food banks nationwide face funding cuts due to federal reductions.

Councilor Chet Simmons revealed that he had been in discussions with Janet Newcomer, the executive director of Feeding Medina County, regarding the logistics of a food distribution event. They plan to host the distribution in December at a location such as the Medina Recreation Center or another well-lit city lot. The event will take place from 17:00 to 18:30, and local organizations like the Rotary and Kiwanis have already expressed their willingness to assist.

For families unable to attend the distribution event, pre-packaged food bags will be available for pickup at the Feeding Medina County office from 09:00 to 15:00, Monday through Friday. Newcomer mentioned that the donation is expected to provide food for at least 300 families, with the potential to support up to 400. The food items will include essentials such as milk, eggs, frozen proteins, fresh produce, and pantry staples.

The planning and coordination for this food drive is expected to take three to four weeks. Members of the council acknowledged that while the focus is on supporting residents during the holiday season, the need for food assistance will extend into the new year.

Mayor Dennis Hanwell acknowledged the potential for additional support from the community. He pointed out that there are many philanthropic businesses and private foundations in Medina that might be willing to contribute. “If there is an interest in doing some fundraising, maybe we can put together a committee to help get some resources in addition to what the city is providing,” he said.

This initiative reflects the council’s commitment to addressing food insecurity in Medina and ensuring that residents receive the support they need during challenging times. As the city prepares for the holiday season, the collaboration with Feeding Medina County is a significant step toward helping those who are most in need.