PAGE 2 • Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley
Standing Together
In Every Season
from Renee Fuller, Executive Director
CHARITY RATING
The Food Bank holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, 
America’s largest and most-utilized independent evaluator of 
charities. A 4-star rating is Charity Navigator’s highest rating.
This edition covers the time period of May through July of 2026.
It is the policy of Second Harvest Food Bank to maintain the highest 
level of confidentiality with respect to donor information. We will not 
share donor names, addresses, or fund-related financial information 
with organizations outside of the Food Bank. From time to time, donor 
names may be listed in Food Bank publications, but only after written 
notification is provided. In all cases, donors are given the option of 
remaining anonymous.
Summer is a season filled with sunshine, family time and, 
for many children, a much-needed break from school. But 
for families facing food insecurity, summer can also bring an 
added challenge: when school is out, so are the meals and 
snacks many children rely on each day.
That’s why your support is so important. Throughout the 
summer, Second Harvest Food Bank and our network 
of partner agencies continue working to ensure children, 
families, seniors, and individuals have access to the food 
they need.
As we look ahead to September and Hunger Action Month, 
we invite you to join us in the fight against hunger. Whether 
you donate, volunteer, host a food drive, or simply help 
spread the word, every act of kindness makes a difference. 
We also have two exciting opportunities to support our 
mission this fall. Tacos and Tunes, featuring dueling pianos, 
tacos, and plenty of entertainment, will take place on 
November 5, followed by our Autumn Splendor Plant-Based 
Dinner & Wine Pairing on November 12. We hope you’ll join 
us for one or both events, and please consider becoming a 
sponsor.
This newsletter also gives us the opportunity to remember 
Carl Nunziato, who served on our Board of Directors 
for more than 25 years. His generosity, leadership, and 
unwavering commitment to our mission left a lasting legacy, 
and we remain grateful for all he gave to Second Harvest.
As I reflect on the months ahead, I’m reminded that our work 
is only possible because of people like you. Thank you for 
standing with us as we continue providing food, hope, and 
support to our neighbors throughout every season.
With Gratitude,
Renee
When 
School Ends, 
Hunger Doesn’t
SCHOOL PANTRIES HELP BRIDGE
THE SUMMER MEAL GAP
For many children, summer means freedom from homework, time with friends, and 
days spent enjoying the sunshine. But for many local families, summer also brings a 
difficult challenge: replacing the meals children receive during the school year.
As childhood hunger continues to rise, many parents are struggling to keep up with 
increasing grocery costs while ensuring their children have access to healthy, 
nutritious food. That’s where Second Harvest Food Bank’s school pantry program 
helps fill an important gap. Through a network of more than 160 partner agencies 
across Columbiana, Mahoning, and Trumbull counties, including more than 40 
school pantries, Second Harvest helps provide food to children and families where 
they need it most. School pantries offer a familiar, trusted place for families to access 
nutritious food and household staples.
Recently, students at Sebring local schools shared handwritten notes expressing 
their appreciation for the school’s pantry program. Their messages offered a 
heartfelt reminder of the impact these pantries have on local families. For many 
students, the pantry helps ensure there is food at home, eases financial stress on 
parents, and provides a sense of security during challenging times.

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