Food For The Hungry officially kicked off its 45th anniversary campaign on November 6, bringing the Knox County community together to address food insecurity and care for neighbors in need. WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talked with Food For The Hungry staff members Tanner Cooper-Risser and Olivia Stern about this year’s campaign, its impact on local families, and the many opportunities for community involvement.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click on the picture link below.
Tanner Cooper-Risser, FFTH Annual Drive and Community Relations Director shared that his responsibilities include coordinating volunteers, recruiting community partners, and helping organizations and civic groups understand the ministry’s mission. As a longtime volunteer, he is excited to experience his first full campaign behind the scenes. Stern oversees communications, marketing, event promotion, and media coverage throughout the campaign season, helping keep the community informed about collections, fundraising milestones, and upcoming activities.
The generosity of Knox County residents continues to make Food For The Hungry possible. FFTH Digital Content and Marketing Director, Olivia Stern highlighted last year’s nearly $400,000 campaign total as an example of how the community comes together to support local families. Cooper-Risser added that he has been encouraged by the willingness of volunteers, churches, businesses, and community organizations to go above and beyond when asked to help.
Both guests emphasized that the need for assistance continues to grow as families face rising grocery prices and other living expenses. Stern shared that the Salvation Army served approximately 1,300 children in 2025 through its youth programs, providing thousands of meals and snacks. Local food pantries, including Interchurch Social Services, have also experienced significant increases in the number of people seeking assistance. These growing needs make community support more important than ever, especially for families, seniors, and caregivers working to make ends meet.
The 2026 campaign goal is $345,000 in recognition of Food For The Hungry’s 45th anniversary. Under the theme “Working Together to Care for Our Neighbors,” the campaign supports food pantries, hot meal programs, and community ministries throughout Knox County. Food For The Hungry partners with organizations such as Interchurch Social Services and The Salvation Army while also providing grants to smaller food pantries, meal programs, and local ministries. Cooper-Risser explained that campaign funds stay in Knox County and directly benefit local individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. Through partnerships with the Mid-Ohio Food Collective, every donated dollar creates approximately $4.56 in food purchasing power. The organization also distributes grants throughout the year, helping local agencies address specific needs and provide food assistance to children, families, and individuals.
Community members can support the 45th anniversary campaign in many ways, including donating, volunteering, organizing food collections, and attending fundraising events. Several special events are planned throughout the campaign season, including the Knox County Jazz Orchestra concert, Patsy Cline tribute performances at the Woodward Opera House, the MVNU Turkey Trot, Fire & Ice, the Mount Vernon Holiday Parade, and the Snowflake Gala. Local high schools and middle schools will also participate in collection drives. Food For The Hungry encourages individuals, businesses, churches, and community groups to organize their own food drives and fundraising events. The organization is happy to help promote these community efforts and share stories about the difference they make. The official Drive Day will take place on December 11 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Knox Memorial Theatre.
Cooper-Risser and Stern encourage everyone to find a way to participate, regardless of the size of their contribution. Whether someone gives financially, donates food, volunteers their time, or attends a fundraising event, every effort helps provide resources for neighbors in need. They also ask the community to pray for volunteers, donors, staff members, and the families receiving assistance throughout the campaign season. Stern said the theme, “Working Together to Care for Our Neighbors,” is a reminder of the hope that comes from bringing people together. Cooper-Risser agreed, emphasizing that caring for one another and working together are important in every season. To learn more about the 45th anniversary campaign, upcoming events, collection locations, and ways to get involved, visit foodforthehungrycares.org. Community members can also email director@foodforthehungrycares.org or follow FFTHCares on Facebook and Instagram.
