The Healthy New Albany Food Pantry delivers more than 275,000 meals a year to families in the New Albany-Plain Local School District. On Sunday, Sept. 13, residents can help keep that number growing by lacing up for the Healthy New Albany Walking Classic.

The New Albany Chamber of Commerce announced on X on Aug. 10 that it has formed a corporate team for the walk and is encouraging local businesses and residents to join or start their own teams. All net proceeds from 5K and 10K walk registration go directly to the Food Pantry, according to the event's registration page.

Corporate team registration costs $60 per person, plus a $5.40 signup fee, for either the 5K or 10K route. Individuals can also register, join an existing team, or create a new one at newalbanywalkingclassic.com.

Food Pantry demand rising

Federal nutrition cuts have strained food banks across Ohio since 2025, and the Healthy New Albany Food Pantry has reported rising demand. In August 2025 alone, the pantry served 20,940 meals to 1,396 people, executive director Rachel Haugk told New Albany City Council at its Sept. 16, 2025, meeting.

The pantry serves more than 1,500 individuals and families each year, providing fresh produce, proteins and staples. Every dollar donated stretches into roughly $4.50 to $5.00 worth of groceries through the pantry's partnership with the Mid-Ohio Food Collective.

Volunteer Debbie Smith, in an April 2026 CityScene Magazine profile, described what the work means to her: "I have found that getting to know the people who visit the Pantry has resulted in me growing more as a person than I ever thought possible."

In 2025, volunteers logged more than 6,600 hours supporting Healthy New Albany programs including the Food Pantry, Community Garden and the Walking Classic itself.