CLEVELAND – Anne’s Pantry, a new community initiative launched in partnership with the Mid-American Conference and the Hunger Network, made a meaningful impact during the 2026 MAC Basketball Tournament. The effort provided critical support to individuals and families facing food insecurity, while also bringing together donors, volunteers, and community partners throughout the four-day event.
Through generous contributions, Anne’s Pantry helped provide approximately 15,000 meals and raised more than $7,200 for those in need. The initiative also collected 387 pounds of food during the tournament.
“Whether fans brought nonperishable food items or made monetary donations, the generosity from everyone who came to the tournament was truly overwhelming,” said MAC Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher. “I’m beyond grateful by the way this community showed up. It means so much that we are able to honor my late wife in such a meaningful way. She had a heart for helping others, and seeing people rally together in her memory is incredibly special. Most importantly, knowing that these contributions will help families who need a little extra support and put food on the table makes this effort all the more worthwhile.”
Anne’s Pantry was created in loving memory of Anne Steinbrecher, the late wife of Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher. Her compassion for others and commitment to community continue to inspire the Conference and its partners. This initiative honors her legacy by turning the energy of MAC Basketball Tournament week into an opportunity to give back and support families across Northeast Ohio.
“The energy and generosity that surrounded the Anne’s Pantry initiative at the MAC Tournament were remarkable,” said Julie Johnson, CEO of the Hunger Network. “Basketball fans from across the conference came together not just to watch their teams compete, but also to give back. Whether it was through food contributions, monetary donations, or simply stopping by the table to learn about the work of Hunger Network here in the Greater Cleveland area, the overwhelming spirit of unity translated into real impact for our community. We are incredibly grateful to every school, supporter, and volunteer who helped turn this moment into hope for those facing food insecurity. We extend our sincere gratitude to Commissioner Dr. Jon Steinbrecher, Senior Associate Commissioner Kristin Williams, and the entire MAC staff for selecting Hunger Network as the beneficiary of this highly successful pilot campaign in memory of Anne. We’re deeply appreciative of their support and look forward to continuing to grow this partnership with the Mid-American Conference.”
For more information on the Hunger Network, please visit https://hungernetwork.org/
