LORAIN, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio has announced that local Rotary Clubs will serve as the Honorary Champions for the 2026 Harvest for Hunger campaign.
The partnership brings together the region’s largest hunger-relief effort with an organization defined by the motto “Service Above Self.” Pam Brumbaugh, District Governor of Rotary District 6600, will join other regional Rotarians for a community kick-off event on Feb. 26.
“Harvest for Hunger is 100% local and 100% impact. That’s why partnering with an organization whose guiding principle is Service Above Self is a natural fit,” said Julie Chase-Morefield, president and CEO of Second Harvest. “With Rotary by our side, we can connect even more neighbors to nutritious food.”
The 2026 campaign has set an ambitious goal to raise enough funds to provide 3.9 million meals for food-insecure residents across North Central Ohio. Funds and food collected during the drive stay within the local community to restock pantries, hot meal programs, and shelters.
Participating Rotary Clubs include Bellevue, Bucyrus, Elyria Noon, Elyria Sunrise, Huron, Lorain, Milan, New London, North Coast, Norwalk, Oberlin, Sandusky, and Vermilion.
“Food insecurity affects far too many of our neighbors,” said Brumbaugh, who leads approximately 2,700 members across Northwest Ohio. “Through Harvest for Hunger, Rotary District 6600 has a meaningful opportunity to make a tangible, local impact.”
The Harvest for Hunger campaign is a collaborative effort between Second Harvest and three other regional food banks, serving a total of 21 counties. The drive is supported by major retailers including Giant Eagle, Heinen’s, and Buehler’s Fresh Foods, as well as various local media partners.
The public is invited to the 2026 Kick-Off Event on Thursday, Feb. 26, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Second Harvest, located at 5510 Baumhart Road in Lorain.
For more information or to start a food and fund drive, contact Lisa Camp at 440-434-2444 or visit secondharvestfoodbank.org.