United Way of Lake County's June 25 Food Distribution Caps Fiscal Year with More Than 214,000 Meals Provided
July 1, 2026 – Mentor, OH – United Way of Lake County (UWLC) purchased and distributed enough food to provide an estimated 12,418 meals to Lake County residents facing hunger during its June 25, 2026, food distribution, benefiting more than 33 local food pantries. The distribution capped the organization's fiscal year, ending June 30, 2026, during which UWLC purchased, collected, and distributed enough food to help provide an estimated 214,282 meals throughout Lake County.
Over the course of the fiscal year, 126 community food drives were held by generous supporters, helping to sustain UWLC's year-round hunger relief efforts. In all, 48 local food providers benefited from UWLC's food pantry support and distributions, made possible through food grants and generous corporate and individual contributions.
The total number of meals provided also reflects supplemental grant funding that was awarded to UWLC in response to the SNAP crisis, which enabled them to expand food assistance to meet increased community need during this time.
Nearly one-third of Lake County residents struggle to stay afloat and afford basic needs such as food and housing.
The organization’s 34th annual spring Feed Lake County Food Drive & Fundraiser raised $52,000 in funds, $25,000 of which was donated by Buyers Products Company in Mentor. The organization matched all cash donations up to a total of $25,000. Funds were also allocated to the organization’s Feed Lake County initiative this past winter from the Jerome T. Osborne and Georgeanne S. Osborne Charitable Trust. The remaining funds will be used to help replenish the food pantries later in the year.
Donor standouts from UWLC’s spring food drive include Component Repair Technologies, who donated 6,030 lbs. of food; Mentor High School, who donated 3,974, and Marous Brothers Construction, who donated 3,532 lbs. of food.
Volunteers from STERIS were on-hand to unload the food from the delivery truck, while volunteers from Teen Challenge of Greater Cleveland in Perry and Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers loaded the food into food pantry vehicles as they drove up throughout the day.
The food items distributed on June 25, 2026 by UWLC were purchased based on direct input from the pantries they serve. Items included canned beef ravioli, pancake mix, syrup, cereal, fruit cocktail, peanut butter, grape jelly, pasta, pasta sauce, canned chicken and tuna, dry milk, and apple juice.
“Feed Lake County shows what a community can do when we come together. When local businesses, volunteers, and neighbors join forces, we make a real difference for families facing hunger,” said UWLC President & CEO Dione DeMitro.
“Every dollar and every donated item helps someone right here in our community. Hunger isn’t seasonal, it’s a daily struggle for many families. That’s why keeping our on-site pantry stocked matters. Local food banks rely on us, and we rely on the community’s generosity to make sure food is there when it’s needed most.”
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 9285 Progress Parkway, Mentor, OH 44060. Attention: FLC.
If you are able to donate food or are interested in running a food drive, please contact David Whittaker at dwhittaker@uwlc.org or call 440.639.1203.