The fourth annual Hocking Hills Gives Back campaign raised $2,379.21 to support the SE Ohio Foodbank's mission to end hunger in our region. That's the equivalent of 4,020 meals. This year, six organizations joined the campaign to donate funds and raise awareness for the Foodbank's work.
Debbie Todd, who owns The Woodlands at Hocking Hills with her family, founded the campaign in 2022 and has continued to recruit other local businesses to join. BloomSky Flower Farm was another business participating this year.
“As a mission-driven farm, joining the Hocking Hills Gives Back campaign was a natural extension of our commitment to lifting others. Through our 'grow to give' model, every bouquet sold helps us donate flowers to those who could use a moment of care. Supporting the SE Ohio Foodbank allowed us to share not just beauty, but something essential—with the community that supports us,” said BloomSky owner, Liz Cope.
This year’s participants include The Woodlands at Hocking Hills, The Orchard School, The Hocking Hills Lodge and Conference Center, Cozy Escapes, Gifts That Give Back, and BloomSky Flower Farm.
“SEOFB is deeply grateful for the partnership of local businesses in this campaign. Their generosity shows just how much our community cares about neighbors facing hunger. Since Hocking Hills Gives Back began in 2022, it has raised $16,789.12 to provide the equivalent of 28,373 meals. Food insecurity continues to affect a higher-than-average percentage of residents here in Southeast Ohio, but this campaign proves that when everyone does what they can, we can make a big impact together,” said Eva Bloom, director of development for SEOFB.
According to data provided by Feeding America's Map the Meal Gap, 17% of people in Hocking County experience food insecurity, and the percentage increases to 22.1% for children. Ohio's average food insecurity rate is 15.3% overall and 20.1% for children. Community efforts like the Hocking Hills Gives Back are vital to securing the resources and support needed to address the significant number of people facing food insecurity in Hocking County and throughout Southeast Ohio.