April 1^st marks the start of the 2023 Hunger Challenge – a friendly competition between the cities of Kent and Ravenna to collect food and monetary donations for the Center of Hope and Kent Social Services.

The challenge, which is held every year, typically raises around $30,000 and 16,000 food items from the local community throughout the month of April. Donations are used to help the centers continue supporting food insecure families and also to raise awareness about hunger in Portage County.

The city mayors will be working to raise money and collect food donations throughout the month of April. The centers are also calling on the local community to make a donation – even just a can or two of food – to help their neighbors in need.

Each year, Kent Social Services and The Center of Hope provide over 52,000 hot meals and 25,000 bags of food to individuals and families in Portage County who are struggling with food insecurity. They also provide assistance during the holidays with their food and toy distribution program.

All donations made from April 1 – April 30 will count toward the Hunger Challenge. Donations of non-perishable food items such as canned beans and vegetables, boxed meals and cereals, rice, and peanut butter, as well as monetary donations, can be made at either site.

There will be a donation boxes located at the Sheriff’s Department for the Center of Hope and the Kent Police Department for Kent Social Services for the entire month of April. The Ravenna Police Department will be Ravenna Marc’s on April 15^th from 10am-2pm, and the Sheriff’s Department will also be at Ravenna Aldi’s on April 29^th from 10am-1pm, and collecting items for the Center of Hope.

Donations can also be made at Kent Social Services, located at 1066 S. Water Street in Kent and the Center of Hope, located at 1081 W. Main Street in Ravenna. Monetary donations can also be made online at fcsserves.org/hungerchallenge.