If you’re in need of food, toiletries, or basic essentials, our church is here to help. TLC Assist provides support to individuals and families facing difficult times. Don’t hesitate to reach out — we’re here to make sure your basic needs are met with care and compassion.

The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank will host Pop-Up Pantry events at Summit DD, located at 2355 2nd Street in Cuyahoga Falls, on November 12 and December 18, 2025, from 1 to 3 p.m. Participants are asked to bring a photo ID, but proof of income and pre-registration are not required. These pop-up events are designed to make food assistance more accessible to local families in need. For more information, contact the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank at 330-535-6900.

People Feeding People will host a series of free grocery giveaways throughout November 2025 to support local families in Akron. Events will begin at 5:30 p.m. each Wednesday at different community locations. The schedule includes November 12 at The Freedom BLOC, 848 W. Exchange Street; November 19 at the Akron Urban League, 440 Vernon Odom Boulevard; and November 26 again at The Freedom BLOC, 848 W. Exchange Street. The initiative, themed “Feed the People, Feed the Land,” aims to provide fresh groceries and community care each week. If you are interested in serving as a volunteer, please visit https://volunteersignup.org/WT8Q9

Swensons Drive-In is offering free kids meals for Ohio youth ages 18 and under who rely on SNAP benefits. From November 5 through November 12, children can receive one free meal by showing a SNAP or EBT household card. Each meal includes a choice of a single cheeseburger, hamburger, grilled cheese, or hot dog, along with applesauce and bottled water. The offer is available for on-lot tray or to-go orders at all Swensons Drive-In locations, with no purchase required.

Starting November 1, 2025, METRO Regional Transit Authority will temporarily waive fares on METRO Direct and ADA services for Ohio Direction cardholders until further notice. The move comes after delays in SNAP benefit distributions.

Riders can show their Ohio Direction, SNAP, or EBT card when boarding to ride free, along with members of their household. METRO CEO Dawn Distler said the goal is to ease financial strain for community members, while Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro praised the effort as a strong example of local collaboration.

More details and food resource information are available at www.211summit.org and yourmetrobus.org/SNAP.

Family Empowerment Ministries will host Diaper Days Xtreme, a free diaper education and giveaway program for pregnant women and mothers with children under one year old. By attending three educational classes, participants will receive a large box of diapers and wipes each month until their child’s first birthday. Classes will cover topics such as the dangers of smoking and secondhand smoke, fetal alcohol syndrome prevention, safe sleep, home safety, and infant CPR. Sessions will take place November 18, 19, and 20 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 425 E. Market Street in Alliance, Ohio. Dinner, childcare, and transportation within Alliance city limits are provided. To register, call 330-913-7007 or email brenda@sofccoh.org

Join the community for the 2nd Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway on November 19th from 1 PM to 3 PM at Patricia Ann Cargill Charities, 1823 Manchester Road in Akron, Ohio. Over 150 turkeys will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis. The event is hosted by Councilman At Large Eric D. Garrett, Sr.

Breakfast in Bed by LaCole is hosting a Free Community Breakfast at 183 S. Portage Path in Akron, Ohio, to support local families affected by SNAP benefit interruptions. The breakfast will take place on Monday, November 24, offering warm, homemade meals to anyone in need. Guests are invited to enjoy a comforting meal made with care and community spirit. For more information, call 330-809-9126 or email breakfastbyl3@gmail.com

The Good Samaritan Hunger Center will host its 8th Annual Thanksgiving Turkey and Trimmings Giveaway on Monday, November 24, 2025, at Joy Park Community Center, located at 825 Fuller Avenue in Akron. The event will run from 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., or until supplies are gone. A total of 600 turkeys will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Each family may receive one turkey, with a maximum of two turkeys per vehicle. No reservations or referrals are required.

Volunteers are also welcome to help serve during the event. Those interested in volunteering can contact Melody Cheatham at 330-864-8520 or email melodygshc@gmail.com. The Good Samaritan Hunger Center invites the community to take part—either by receiving or giving—to make this Thanksgiving season one of gratitude and generosity.

Professional athlete Jayvon Graves is hosting a Thanksgiving Food Drive to give back to the Akron community that helped raise him. The event will take place on November 25, 2025, from 3 to 7 p.m. at 1866 Brown Street in Akron, Ohio. Families in need can receive free Thanksgiving turkeys, holiday proteins, and non-perishable food items while supplies last, limited to one per family.

The November 2025 Summit County Food Resources guide provides information about local food distribution events and free grocery programs available throughout the month. It lists community organizations, churches, and outreach groups across Summit County that are offering meals, food boxes, and pantry access to residents in need. Each listing includes the location, dates, and times of service to help families find support close to home.

Patricia Ann Cargill Charities hosts weekly community food distributions every Wednesday from 1 PM to 3 PM at 1823 Manchester Road in Akron, Ohio. Nutritious food is provided to those in need on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Gently used clothes, shoes, and other items are also available. For more information, call 330-819-0657 or visit www.paccohio.org.

The November 2025 Akron Area Food Pantry schedule highlights multiple locations offering free groceries and meals to individuals and families in need. Sites include the Good Samaritan Hunger Center, Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, Faith Temple Church of the Living God, Patricia Ann Cargill Charities, St. Bernard Parish, Peter Maurin Center, First Faith Development, First United Methodist Church of Akron, Heart 4 the City, Sarah’s House, the Salvation Army, and The Church on the Boulevard. Each pantry operates on specific dates and times throughout the month, with some locations also hosting special Thanksgiving or turkey distributions. These community partners are working together to ensure that no one in the Akron area goes hungry this holiday season.

The Summit County Community Food Pantries list provides an up-to-date directory of food assistance locations verified in October 2025. It includes addresses and contact information for organizations throughout Akron and Summit County offering groceries, meals, and essential resources to individuals and families in need. Featured sites include the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, Good Samaritan Hunger Center, Salvation Army, OPEN M, Catholic Charities, the Akron Urban League Pantry, and several local churches and outreach ministries. Residents are encouraged to check with each site for current hours of operation and identification requirements before visiting.

The City of Akron has launched the Akron Water Bill Assistance Program to help Akron residents struggling with their utility bills.
This is an ongoing, monthly assistance program for Akron Residents (homeowners and tenants) with a household income at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines or who have a Homestead Exemption. Residents eligible for the program will receive a 40% discount on the drinking water portion of their Akron Utility bill.

The Summit Senior Coalition is a collaborative of non-profit organizations and government agencies that work together to provide services to older persons not adequately served by other public and private systems. Together, they help provide senior services including meal programs, transportation, home health care and homemaking assistance, legal and financial planning assistance, adult day care, home repair and much more. Their mission is to empower seniors and those with disabilities to help make getting older, better – by providing resources and support services that preserve independence, wellness, safety, comfort and dignity.

The United Way of Summit & Medina is revolutionizing how the community addresses intricate issues. They proactively identify underlying causes and forge relationships that streamline a daunting system. By understanding the root of people's challenges, the organization stands alongside those in need, ensuring they access the necessary support. Their mission is to establish an empowering system that fosters enduring success through education, financial stability, and well-being.