The Community Harvest Food Bank in Fort Wayne received a major boost on Wednesday with a donation of nearly $80,000, a contribution that will provide hundreds of thousands of meals to those in need.

Honoring a Legacy of Giving

The donation was made by the United Way of Allen County in honor of Maurice and Germain O’Daniel, longtime Fort Wayne residents known for their philanthropic efforts. The O’Daniel Automotive Group, led by Greg O’Daniel, played a key role in ensuring that funds were directed to organizations making a tangible impact.

“In their passing, they had left a specific fund that we distributed amongst four different organizations. One of them was the United Way, with an intention to provide this money for the food bank as well,” Greg O’Daniel said.

Meeting a Growing Need

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the Community Harvest Food Bank has seen a 30% increase in demand for food assistance. The donation will help the organization continue providing meals to individuals and families facing food insecurity.

“Anybody that lives in this community, we help each other. And again, 320,000 meals is what this donation equates to, so I would have to say it’s a pretty good day at the food bank,” said Carmen Cumberland, President and CEO of the Community Harvest Food Bank.

Impact in Numbers

Here’s what this donation translates to in real-world impact:

With food insecurity affecting thousands of local residents, contributions like this are crucial in ensuring that those in need receive support. The Community Harvest Food Bank continues to serve as a vital resource for Fort Wayne and surrounding areas.