Tax break offered for those who donate to food banks

December 22, 2015 at 12:00a.m.

YOUNGSTOWN

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown has announced his support of a tax-extenders bill that includes a provision offering a tax break to further encourage individuals, organizations and businesses to donate to food banks and pantries, especially during the holidays.

“This is a tough time of year for a lot of people, including those without adequate food,” Brown, a Democrat from Cleveland, said during a news conference Monday at Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley, 2805 Salt Springs Road, on the West Side.

The tax break is another incentive for the entities to donate food, after which they will receive tax deductions for their efforts, he noted.

Last Friday, the Senate passed legislation to reinstate or extend several such deductions, including a permanent extension of the food-donation tax deduction.

In addition, the deduction’s limitation was increased from 10 percent to 15 percent of adjusted gross income.

The legislation also will include a refundable tax credit in which those eligible could receive up to $3,000, money they can use to pay bills and take care of other essential needs, Brown explained, noting that an estimated 1.7 million Ohioans, mainly young people, rely on food stamps.

“It’s plain and simple: No Ohio family ever should be forced to go hungry,” Brown said.

Roughly 1 in 6 people in the Mahoning Valley lack reliable access to healthful food, compared with the national average of 1 in 7, noted Mike Iberis, Second Harvest’s executive director.

Also, about 1 in 4 Valley children struggle with hunger and 53 percent of students in Mahoning, Columbiana and Trumbull counties are eligible for free or reduced-priced lunches, Iberis said. In 2014, about 20 percent of those who needed food assistance were senior citizens, he continued.

“I couldn’t believe it was that high,” Iberis said, referring to the 53 percent figure.

Last year, Second Harvest handled and distributed about 9.5 million pounds of food, an amount that likely will be met or slightly exceeded this year, he noted. Iberis added that more-precise figures should be available next month.

The executive director also said his organization continues to seek volunteers and donations.

To volunteer or make a donation, call the food bank at 330-792-5522.