Facing Hunger Foodbank is postponing its annual Italiano! Festival, previously scheduled for Aug. 15 in downtown Huntington, according to a news release. The decision to postpone was based on the continuing demands of the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic crisis in the 17 counties served by the food bank.

“With a 40% increase in food demand since March, we had to determine where our energies should be focused,” said Cynthia Kirkhart, executive director of the food bank. “The increased food insecurity in our area may extend into the summer months. We concluded that we honor our communities, our Italian-American honorees and all the people who have suffered through this pandemic if we postpone the festival until such time as we all can celebrate safely.”