Spotlights | November 03, 2025
Northwest Bank partners with Gahanna Residents In Need (GRIN)
During recent months the pantry has seen a 41% increase in need year over year. Northwest donated a new commercial freezer to ensure GRIN can continue to serve families in need and a team of volunteers from the bank helped stock pantry shelves.
GAHANNA, OH (November 3, 2025): Northwest Bank is proud to support GRIN (Gahanna Residents In Need), a local nonprofit dedicated to alleviating hunger in the GahannaJefferson school district. Recently GRIN has been experiencing a significantly higher turnout during distribution hours. In August and September, GRIN saw a 41% increase in people needing food. For example, Grin provided 51,710 meals in September 2025 compared to 27,780 in September 2024.
At the same time need increased, a broken freezer limited the amount of food that could be stored at the pantry. To address the immediate need, Northwest donated a new commercial freezer to GRIN so the team could continue to serve families in need in the community. The donation was presented on November 3 when Jim Colestro, Chief Retail Lending Officer, and a team of Northwest volunteers helped sort food and prepare distributions at the pantry.
“Northwest Bank’s support couldn’t have come at a better time,” said Brenda Johnston, GRIN Executive Director. “The freezer allows us to better meet the increasing needs of our community. Together we can make sure no one in Gahanna goes hungry.”
This partnership with GRIN reflects Northwest’s ongoing commitment to community engagement and financial and volunteer support for local organizations making a meaningful impact.
“GRIN’s mission aligns with our values of service and community partnership,” said Jim Colestro, Chief Retail Lending Officer, “We’re honored to contribute to their work and look forward to deepening our relationship with the Gahanna community.”
Northwest is committed to growing this partnership with GRIN as the bank prepares to open a new financial center in Gahanna in 2026, further strengthening its presence and ability to serve local families and businesses.
About GRIN
Located at 161 Granville Street in Gahanna, the GRIN 4 Gahanna Food Bank distributes food weekly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
To learn more about GRIN and how to get involved, visit GRIN 4 Gahanna Volunteer Opportunities.
About Northwest Bank
Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Northwest Bancshares, Inc. is the bank holding company of Northwest Bank. Founded in 1896, Northwest Bank is a full-service financial institution offering a complete line of business and personal banking products, as well as employee benefits and wealth management services Currently, Northwest operates 151 full-service financial centers and 10 drive-up locations across Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, and Indiana and provides customers fee-free access to more than 55,000 ATMs. Northwest Bancshares, Inc.'s common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market ("NWBI"). Additional information regarding Northwest Bancshares, Inc. and Northwest Bank can be accessed online at www.northwest.bank/columbus.
Media Contacts:
Northwest Bank
Vicki Zeal, External Communications Lead
217-508-9876
GRIN
Brenda Johnston, Executive Director
614-330-4979
