Tom Kahle’s introduction to Freestore Foodbank came when Bob Edwards invited him to join the inaugural Rubber Duck Regatta planning committee in 1994. Soon, Kahle joined the Board of Trustees where he served for many years in a number of roles, including as Board Chair and as part of a [read]

Susan Brumm is the Inpatient Diabetes Nurse Practitioner at the VA Medical Center in Cincinnati. A little over a year ago the VA and the Department of Defense started to include food insecurity among their criteria to screen patients. Having observed the devastating effect of food insecurity on diabetic patients, [read]

Barbie Stern is seated in a large, comfortable armchair in her living room.  Sunlight streams into the room through open windows, leaving huge golden blobs on the floor. A large black cat lounges on the rug in the center; books and papers are scattered; and a laptop is perched precariously [read]

May was an amazingly productive month as we made huge strides in our work with advocacy and community partnerships. We worked with Ohio Governor John Kasich to open a pantry at the Pike County YMCA in Ohio to help children whose families have been affected by the opioid crisis. We [read]

Pam McDonel Hutton is an interior designer and one of the owners of BHDP Architects, a nationally recognized design firm providing services throughout the United States and overseas. Pam has worked at the firm for over 26 years. She is a loyal supporter of the Freestore Foodbank. “My children grew [read]

Childhood hunger continues to be a tragic issue with one in five children (20%) not knowing where they will find their next meal. Last year, the Joy in Childhood Foundation (formerly The Dunkin’ Donuts & Baskin-Robbins Community Foundation) announced a $1.5 million, three-year partnership with Feeding America to support national [read]

Jeanette Altenau sits across from me in a tiny conference room.  As our eyes meet and we shake hands, I am struck by her warmth and enthusiasm. Jeanette is the Director of Community Relations at TriHealth, a well-known health care provider in Cincinnati and an important corporate partner to the [read]

April was dedicated to recognizing our volunteers and thanking them for their dedication and support. The Freestore Foodbank organized a Volunteer Appreciation Event in early April to celebrate those who donated over 100 hours to us this past year. The 21st Annual Cincinnati Canstruction, one of our most popular events [read]

Snowflakes pelted down silently as Tracy visited the Freestore Foodbank that December morning.  It was the day before Christmas Eve. In the back of her car was a Holiday Box from the Freestore Foodbank filled with treasured supplies for a holiday feast . Turkey, stuffing, carrots, celery, sweet potatoes, cranberry [read]