Advocacy Matters Now More Than Ever

As hunger continues to rise across our region, the need for food assistance is growing faster than available resources. At the same time, significant reductions to public benefit programs threaten to leave more seniors, children, working families, and individuals struggling to put food on the table, and communities struggling to provide resources to help. Food banks across Ohio, including Second Harvest, cannot close this gap alone. 

Now more than ever, it is critical that community members, leaders, partners, volunteers, and advocates speak up for policies that strengthen food security and protect the programs that help our neighbors thrive. Advocacy is one of the most powerful tools we have to create lasting change and ensure lawmakers understand the realities facing our communities.  

Join one of our upcoming advocacy events near you: 

County community conversations focusing on food insecurity affecting families

• October 7, 2026 (Huron County) Caring Community Wakeman 
• October 15, 2026 (Crawford County) Public Health | WIC office
• October 30, 2026 (Erie County) Community Action Commission of Erie, Huron and Richland Counties
• December 11, 2026(Lorain County) Head Start 

Post Election Landscape and Policy Analysis

Gain an understanding of how elections shape our strategic advocacy efforts and learn what we need to do to ensure public policy leaves no one behind, nutrition programs remain viable resources for neighbors who need them, and how your voice can make the difference. 

• (Virtual) January 27, 2027, 1 PM – 2 PM
• Lunch and Learn In person January 29, 2027, Noon to 1:30 PM

April 7 Friends of the Foodbank Day at the Ohio State House

• Meet with policymakers and advocate for anti-hunger priorities. 

Community Action Poverty Simulation (CAPS) Training Events

Experience the challenges faced by families living near or below the poverty line and explore how poverty and economic hardship are the root causes of hunger. 

• October 29, 2026, Fremont, OH co-hosted by Sandusky County Public Health 
• January 5, 2027, for Lorain County Head Start

Your voice matters. Together, we can ensure that every neighbor has access to the food and resources they need to live a healthy life. 

To learn more about these and other advocacy events near you and to join our efforts, contact: 

Kimberly Hazelgrove

Government Relations & Advocacy Manager  

📞 (440) 444-0717

✉️ khazelgrove@secondharvestfoodbank.org