LayerZero Power Systems (LayerZero) is a leading provider of power distribution and monitoring solutions for mission-critical facilities. At LayerZero, we are committed to supporting the communities where we operate. We are proud to announce our donation of warehouse space in Streetsboro, Ohio, to Food2Share, a local non-profit dedicated to alleviating hunger in Aurora. This initiative reflects our dedication to giving back and making a positive impact in the areas we serve.  

Fill a Bag, Feed a Family Program

Food2Share, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing food to those in need, has made a significant impact on the community since its inception in 2004. Founded by Bruce Harris, the organization has grown significantly over the years, continually adapting to meet the increasing demand for food assistance.  

One of Food2Share’s most successful initiatives is the Fill a Bag, Feed a Family program. This program mobilizes volunteers to distribute plastic bags to all 7,000 homes in Aurora, requesting each household to fill them with donations. The following week, volunteers return to collect the filled bags. The program's success relies on the collaboration of local churches, the mayor, and the superintendent of schools, all of whom support the cause. The first drive collected 12,000 pounds of food, significantly aiding local pantries and families.

In recent years, the demand for food assistance has grown significantly, and so has the support for Fill a Bag, Feed a Family. In 2023, the program collected an impressive 54,000 pounds of food—4.5 times more than the inaugural drive. This program supports four local food pantries in Aurora and Mantua, providing 40-50% of all the food distributed to those in need.

The pantries include:

• Volunteers of America Aurora Food Pantry

• Aurora Community Relief Fund

• Kids Weekend Meals Program

• Crestwood 4C’s Food Pantry

Together, these pantries assist about 1,400 people annually. Reflecting on the evolving responsibility, Harris reflects on the past and present of running the food pantry, “At one time a nice thing to do to be able to get some food to help has now become a responsibility. I mean, there are now 1,400 people in 4 pantries that not only want us to do this but depend upon us to do this, so doing the food drives is not optional.”

Food2Share's positive impact on both families and individuals is evident in Bruce Harris's reflections on his work, “I consider it an honor and a blessing that I even have the opportunity to help these other people.” He continues, stating that even after 19 years of developing and leading Food2Share, “if I could do it 19 more years, [...] I’d be honored to do it.”

Community Involvement

Community involvement is crucial to the Fill a Bag, Feed a Family program. Each April, around 600 volunteers are needed to ensure the drive’s success. The organization’s website, myfillabag.com, lists the food and items needed. In March, a link to sign up as a volunteer for the annual drive was posted. Additionally, the Aurora and Mantua food pantries accept donations and volunteers year-round. John Horan, a volunteer with the Knights of Columbus and Volunteers of America associate, shares his experience: “[I]t’s a real joy and it’s enjoyable to be able to participate in these kinds of things.”

LayerZero Power Systems Partnership

Food2Share stores their donations at the LayerZero Power Systems warehouse in Streetsboro, OH. There, food pantries can come and gather all the food and supplies they would need. Mike Shydlowski, also a volunteer with the Knights of Columbus and Volunteers of America associate, comments on the impact LayerZero Power Systems have had on their organization, “We truly appreciate what you’re doing here and providing a warehouse and accessibility so that we can keep this food available for the times that each of our organizations are able to come over and pick it up.”

To keep up with Food2Share and the Fill a Bag, Feed a Family program, visit their website, myfillabag.com. For any questions, reach out to Bruce Harris at F2S.bruceh@gmail.com or Kathy Kramer at F2S.kathyk@gmail.com

Photo of the food storage from Food2Share at LayerZero Power Systems in Streetsboro