CINCINNATI -- The Freestore Foodbank informed Cincinnati Wednesday that the foodbank's founder, Frank Gerson, has died at age 70.
Gerson began the foodbank in 1971, according to a press release from The Freestore. He worked at the city incinerator and thought too many items -- food included -- were being discarded in Cincinnati daily.
"Having something in front of you that is perfectly usable, I couldn't bring myself to burn it," he said.
The foodbank began with Gerson collecting these usable but unwanted items and passing them out to needy families in the city. The organization ran from Gerson's apartment in Clifton Heights.
Today, the Freestore Foodbank is a city staple. Local schools and churches, as well as individual volunteers, organize food drives and events to curb hunger in the city.
Gerson turned the operation into a public charity and eventually partnered with Steve Gibbs, who became CEO of the Freestore Foodbank. Gerson remained a regular volunteer.
"We are endlessly grateful for Frank's commitment to helping others," a statement from the foodbank said. "Our thoughts are with Frank's wife, family and friends at this difficult time."
