Access to an adequate supply of healthy food and clean water is a basic human need and right. Many people do not have adequate food, while others have a surplus. In many locations, poor distribution of food is a major contributor to hunger and malnutrition. The UU Church of Akron seeks to promote food justice along a number of fronts, including access, production, health, and environmental sustainability.

Community Meal

Pre-COVID We offered a community meal on the 4th Saturday of every month. The meal was served in Hannah Hall and featured organically grown produce from our community garden. Volunteers from the UU Church of Akron prepared and served the meal to our guests. Guests were also invited to take home a variety of items, including fresh produce and non-perishable food, toiletries, and other essential household items.

During COVID We are not daunted! We still provide meals and products but with a drive through set up from 10:30-Noon.

We serve over 150 families each month.

And we even get special visitors in December.

We welcome donations of non-perishable food, toiletries, and cleaning products . Donations can be dropped off during office hours or Sunday morning. Outside of office hours drop off in shed by back kitchen door.  

Many hands make light work.  If you would like to be involved or would like more information, contact Co-Chairs: Bev Hurd and Sharon McWhorter .

Community Garden

Stewardship of the earth is one of the basic principles of Unitarian Universalism. Using the land in a sustainable way to grow food is part of that stewardship. Today we grow organic food in twelve large, raised beds and two small beds. We have our own access to water, plenty of sun and a beautiful fence with two gates at each end. We are proud to be part of the Food Justice Ministry which itself is one cog in the wheel of our Social Justice Ministry. We are completely organic and are proud to support the UUCA’s Community Meal, Good Samaritan Hunger Center, and our own Caring Cupboard. Volunteers rotate on a weekly basis to weed, water and harvest crops.

We don’t typically hold meetings – instead, anyone who is willing and able meets in the garden on designated mornings to do the planting and for general garden maintenance. It’s fun. Many of us have made lasting friendships over the years by working side-by-side with our fellow garden team members. It’s a great way to meet people while supporting this important ministry. Watch for announcements in the Newsletter or memorandum. If you are interested in becoming involved, contact Chair: Karen Hoch.

Click here to read more about our Community Garden.

Caring Cupboard/Whole Foods Distribution

UUCA hosts a Whole Foods Distribution Sunday mornings between 8:45-10 am. Perishable and non-perishables available to anyone  in the community or congregation who needs something.  Whole Foods generously donates items from their weekly shelf pull.  We never know what we will get, but there is always something yummy!

In addition to providing food security to the larger community, a caring cupboard is set up in the McKeeman Room kitchen for those in need.  Keeping it well stocked is something we can do for each other and the community. Click here to find a list of items needed.

And of course cash donations will be used to purchase items needed. You can donate through the website and indicate in comments “caring cupboard.”

For more information contact the church office.

Akron Area Interfaith Council Walk to Stop Hunger

As a member of the Akron Area Interfaith Council (AAIC), our congregation is proud to host AAIC’s annual Walk to Stop Hunger. All proceeds from the walk benefit the Akron Canton Regional Foodbank. To learn more about the Walk to Stop Hunger or about the work of the Interfaith Council, contact  AAIC.