Council Approves $50,000 Food Donation to Support Local Families

The Medina City Council has authorized a $50,000 donation to Feeding Medina County to support local residents in need this holiday season. During a finance committee meeting on November 24, 2023, council members unanimously agreed to allocate these funds specifically for the purchase and distribution of food to families within the city.

Council President John Coyne emphasized the importance of using taxpayer dollars to benefit the community. “These are taxpayer dollars so the funds should be going back to the people of the city,” he stated. Coyne proposed the donation earlier this month, highlighting that approximately 11.4 percent of the local population relies on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits or similar programs.

Food Distribution Plans and Community Support

In discussions with Janet Newcomer, executive director of Feeding Medina County, council member Chet Simmons shared plans for a food distribution event targeted at Medina residents. The event is expected to take place next month, potentially at a venue such as the local recreation center or another well-lit city lot.

“We would do that from 17:00 to 18:30, and organizations like Rotary and Kiwanis have already offered their assistance,” Simmons noted. For families unable to attend the drive, pre-packaged Medina food bags will be available for pickup at the Feeding Medina County Office, operating weekdays from 09:00 to 15:00.

Newcomer indicated that the donation should provide enough food to support at least 300 families, with the potential to assist up to 400 families. The food packages will include essential items such as milk, eggs, frozen proteins, fresh produce, and various pantry staples. She mentioned that planning and coordination for the drive could take three to four weeks.

Looking Beyond the Holiday Season

While the council is focused on helping families during the holiday season, there is an acknowledgment that the need for food assistance will persist into the new year. Mayor Dennis Hanwell expressed hope that local businesses and private foundations might be willing to contribute additional resources.

“If there is an interest in doing some fundraising, maybe we can put together a committee to help get some resources in addition to what the city is providing,” Hanwell suggested, highlighting the collaborative effort needed to address ongoing food insecurity in the community.

This initiative reflects a growing commitment among local leaders to support vulnerable residents, particularly as food banks nationwide face challenges due to federal budget cuts. The council’s decision to donate funds to Feeding Medina County represents a proactive approach to addressing hunger in Medina, ensuring that the most vulnerable families receive essential support during this critical time.