The Halt Hunger Initiative focuses on ensuring that individuals and families across Hancock County have reliable access to nutritious food.
Hunger affects health, education and financial stability, and no single organization can address it alone. Through this initiative, United Way of Hancock County invests in programs and partnerships that meet immediate food needs while also strengthening the local food system for the long term.
By supporting food providers, expanding access to food assistance and promoting sustainable solutions, the Halt Hunger Initiative works to reduce food insecurity and build a healthier, more resilient community.
How the Initiative Took Shape
In 2010, a community assessment revealed that 1 in 6 Hancock County residents was food insecure. That finding highlighted a critical need and prompted United Way of Hancock County to take action.
In response, we committed $1 million over five years to support local programs working to reduce hunger. Just as importantly, we focused on bringing together community leaders, service providers and stakeholders to address hunger collaboratively. City and county governments, schools, health organizations, faith leaders and nonprofit partners joined the effort to ensure that food assistance was accessible and coordinated across the county.
Since the initiative began, more than $2 million has been awarded to programs that align with the original goals of Halt Hunger. As food costs have continued to rise, United Way of Hancock County has increased annual investments to ensure these programs can respond to growing and changing needs.
Building a Stronger Food System
The Halt Hunger Initiative supports programs and partnerships that work toward long-term food security in Hancock County. This includes strengthening local food providers; expanding access to food assistance programs; increasing food storage and distribution capacity; and educating individuals and families so they can make informed, healthy food choices. By addressing both immediate hunger and the systems that contribute to it, the initiative helps ensure food assistance is effective, dignified and sustainable.
Our Partners in Fighting Hunger
Our work would not be possible without the organizations on the front lines of hunger relief.
Christian Clearing House provides food vouchers through its Caring Cupboard program, allowing individuals and families to shop for groceries based on household size. Clients may receive vouchers up to four times per year and are also connected to additional food resources and guidance on healthy food choices. In 2025, food vouchers distributed through this program totaled $115,000.
Salvation Army operates an emergency food pantry open every weekday, distributing a three- to five-day supply of food depending on household size. The organization also serves daily in-house meals during the last full week of each month, with grab-and-go options available. Through partnerships with the West Ohio Food Bank and HATS, food boxes are delivered to homebound seniors. In 2025, more than 14,500 meals were served through the Salvation Army’s food pantry, meal services and senior food programs.
West Ohio Food Bank supplies food and grocery products for local distribution across an 11-county region. In addition to supporting food pantries, the organization provides discounted food for mobile pantries and school-based programs. Educational efforts focus on food selection, preparation and the connection between nutrition and overall health. In 2025, more than 700,000 pounds of food were distributed to Hancock County residents, representing about 650,000 meals.
YMCA's Feed-A-Child program provides easy-to-prepare food for students during weekends and other critical times, such as summer break. Food bags are discreetly distributed through schools so students have access to meals when school is not in session. Snack boxes are also provided for students who experience hunger during the school day. During the 2024-25 academic year, the program served between 800-900 students each week, distributing a total of 26,101 backpack meals.