A Whole Community begins eighth season of Wayne County Community Food Project

The nonprofit A Whole Community (AWC) begins its eighth season of the Wayne County Community Food Project on July 1.

It is a Christian organization that helps individuals, families and communities transition to wholeness.

“God has called us to this project, and we are thankful to the many organizations, foundations and community members who have joined us in fulfilling the mission to provide farm-fresh produce to those in need," said Karen Potter, executive director. "AWC purchases 'seconds' of vegetables and fruit from local farmers and delivers the produce to over 40 food pantries, free meal sites, low- income neighborhoods, senior communities and recovery housing.”

The project serves over 4,000 individuals monthly from July to mid-October. Throughout the past seven years, AWC provided 501,498 pounds of farm-fresh produce to those in need.

"We are successful when low-income individuals have access to nutritious, farm-fresh produce, which improves food security and their health," Potter said in a news release.

The project is supported by community members who volunteer time and money along with funding fromarea businesses, churches and local grants. Grants received for 2024 season include:

• $15,000 The Donald and Alice Noble Foundation
• $15,000 Sisters of Charity Foundation of Canton (two-year period)
• $10,000 Health Foundation of Greater Massillon
• $7,500 Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation
• $5,000 The Christ Foundation
• $4,000 George T. Dunlap Community Foundation

For more information about A Whole Community or to give online, visit www.AWCinc.org.