United Way of Lake County Puts Nearly 66,000 Pounds of Food into the Community June 20, 2023
June 20, 2023 – Mentor, OH – United Way of Lake County (UWLC) distributed nearly 66,000 pounds of food to 35 Lake County food pantries. A total of 30,000 pounds were distributed today, and nearly 36,000 pounds were distributed at the end of May.
Volunteers from Teen Challenge of Greater Cleveland based out of Perry were on hand to help unload the food from the delivery truck and load it into pantry vehicles.
UWLC convenes with the Lake County food pantries several times a year to determine the food items that are most needed so the organization can fill this gap. Items distributed today included those most requested. This included cans of Beef Stew, Chunk White Chicken, Chili, Beef Ravioli, Chicken Noodle Soup, Fruit Cocktail, and Pears along with Spaghetti, Spaghetti Sauce, Egg Noodles, Knorr’s Rice Sides, Peanut Butter, Jelly, Cereal, Pancake Mix, Syrup, Apple Juice, and Bottled Water.
Food was donated during the organization’s 31st Annual Food Drive and Fundraiser which takes place every spring.
Two of the largest food donors included Marous Brother’s Construction who donated 6,000 pounds of food and PCC Airfoils who donated nearly 5,000 pounds of food.
In addition to the food UWLC collected, $60,000 in cash was raised from donors, which will be used to help re-stock the food pantries later in the year. This amount included $25,000 donated by Buyers Products Company in Mentor to be used as a match to encourage gifts for the second year in a row.
According to UWLC President & CEO Dione DeMitro, “Beyond the many local nonprofit programs we fund, meeting our community’s basic needs is of great importance to us. I am grateful to all who donate food and funds to make days like today possible.”
Joyce Ristau of St. John Vianney food pantry in Mentor shared they have seen an increase in need due to high food prices and the end of the school year when kids lose access to free breakfasts and lunches.
“We appreciate the variety given to us from United Way of Lake County, especially the kid-friendly food like peanut butter and jelly, cereal, and apple juice,” said Ristau, who recalled one little boy who was thrilled to get both milk and cereal on the same visit. “I’ll never forget the joy in his voice when exclaiming to his father that they can have milk on their cereal tomorrow, things so many of us take for granted.”
A total of 25,840 Lake County residents are estimated to be living with food insecurity, which is 11.2% of the population.
A total of 6,770 children in Lake County are estimated to be living with food insecurity, which is 14.2% of the population.
Nearly one-third of Lake County residents struggle to afford basic needs. This includes the working poor who make up a stark 24% and do not benefit from government assistance plus the 7% who live in poverty.
UWLC has a list of food pantries on its website at uwlc.org/food-pantries. More comprehensive health and human service help can be found by calling Lifeline’s 2-1-1 referral hotline anytime 24/7.
Those in a position to donate are asked to visit uwlc.org/give to make a gift. Checks payable to United Way of Lake County can also be mailed to them at 9285 Progress Parkway, Mentor, OH 44060. Attention: FLC.