Hundreds get free food in Medina

MEDINA, Ohio - The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank kicked off a monthly food distribution at Medina County Job and Family Services on Thursday morning.

More than 350 families, in need, waited in a long line to receive cucumbers, green beans, potatoes, mangos and other food.

The foodbank has partnered with the Feeding Medina County initiative to help get food to Medina County families in need.

Recipients were asked to bring a picture ID and complete a self-declaration of need form.

"Generally, the foodbank distributes food through a network of more than 430 member agencies like food pantries and soup kitchens," said Dan Flowers, President and CEO of the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank. "But the number of people needing help in Medina County continues to grow and we needed to do something to get food in the hands of these residents."

Marie Wilson, a single mother on disability, said she was very grateful for the food. "I can feed my kids fresh vegetables because they're high in the store right now," Wilson said.

Thursday marked the first time the Akron-Canton Foodbank has organized a direct distribution in Medina County.

Organizers said poverty is on the rise in the county. Mead Wilkins, the director of Medina County Job and Family Services, said, "Over 10,000 individuals in Medina County now are on some type of food assistance."

Cindy McQuown is the Co-Director of Cornerstone Wellness and the director of the Feeding Medina County Initiative. She handed out food on Thursday and found it to be a very emotional experience.

"It's heart wrenching to see so many people waiting for food, but it's also very rewarding to be able to give this out," McQuown said.

The next food distribution will take place at 9 a.m. on September 23 at the Medina County Job and Family Services building.

A distribution is also being planned for next month in Seville.