(CINCINNATI, Ohio) — Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller met in Cincinnati today to raise awareness of the ongoing fight against hunger in their states and the greater Cincinnati region.
Attorneys General Zoeller and DeWine held a joint event at the Freestore Foodbank in Cincinnati. Zoeller is kicking off the third annual March Against Hunger campaign, a month-long food drive co-sponsored by the Indiana State Bar Association (ISBA) and Feeding Indiana's Hungry (FIsH). DeWine joined Zoeller today in encouraging lawyers in the Cincinnati area to join the campaign.
"The March Against Hunger has been highly successful in collecting food and raising awareness about the hunger problem here at home. The legal community has risen to this call of service. Hunger knows no borders, and I encourage all attorneys in the tri-state area to help in the fight to end hunger," DeWine said.
For the third consecutive year, Indiana Attorney General Zoeller is partnering with the ISBA and FIsH to call on law firms and lawyers to raise money and food donations benefitting 11 regional food banks. The Freestore Foodbank in Cincinnati serves a 20 county area in Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky.
"While there are some hopeful signs of an economic recovery on the horizon, for many in the Midwest, the harsh realities of unemployment and financial difficulties continually leave them desperate to buy the basic food essentials to feed their families," Zoeller said. "I appreciate Attorney General DeWine joining me in echoing the call to members of our profession to step up and do what attorneys do best – serve the interests of others."
Attorney General DeWine also announced that the Ohio Attorney General's Office will be drawing attention to National Hunger Action Month in September. During this month, the Attorney General's Office will support anti-hunger efforts through food and monetary donations, activities, and volunteerism at regional food banks throughout Ohio.
"People tend to think of food banks as needing assistance around the holidays, but families coping with hunger may need help at any time. That is why programs like National Hunger Action Month and the March Against Hunger are so important to helping fight hunger year-round," DeWine said. "Since we are dedicated to protecting Ohio's families, children, and our most vulnerable, the Attorney General's Office will step forward to help make a difference in the lives of Ohio families who suffer from hunger."
To sign up to participate in the March Against Hunger, visit the Attorney General Zoeller's March Against Hunger webpage at www.in.gov/attorneygeneral/2773.htm. Firms may sign up any time before the competition begins or during the collection period of March 14-31. For more information, please contact Michelle Mayer, Director of Outreach Services for the Indiana Office of the Attorney General at michelle.mayer@atg.in.gov or 317-234-6668.
Those not employed by a law firm who want to donate can contribute nonperishable foods at a participating firm or by visiting the FIsH Web site at www.feedingindianashungry.org. A list of participating firms will be posted at www.atg.in.gov.
Media Contacts:
Dan Tierney: 614-466-3840
Lisa Hackley: 614-466-3840