Hunger in Lake County: Fast Facts

According to Feeding America, below are food insecurity estimates in Lake County based on their most recent 2023 data:
 

• 31,190 (13.4%) Lake County residents are estimated to be living with food insecurity. This is a 7% increase over the prior year, and a 37% increase over 2021, just five years ago.

• 7,350 (16.2%) children in Lake County are estimated to be living with food insecurity. This is a 3% increase over the prior year, and a 42% increase over 2021, just five years ago.

• Nationally, 9.2% of seniors are estimated to be living with food insecurity. Locally, 76% of inquiries for food and meals made to Lifeline's 2-1-1 help referral line come from those aged 60 years and up.

• The annual food budget shortfall in Lake County is $23,168,000. 
   

What is Food Insecurity?

In a nutshell, those suffering from food insecurity:

• Do not know where their next meal is coming from
• Skip meals so the kids can eat
• Water down milk or stretch food to make it last
• Are forced to choose between buyring groceries or paying a utility bill(s)
• Run out of food before their next paycheck

• The large price hike in food experienced over the last few years has hit low-income workers and the middle class the hardest, as many do not qualify for federal nutrition programs. 
   
• Hunger can affect people from all walks of life - thousands of residents are just one job loss, missed paycheck, medical emergency, or unexpected expense away from hunger.

100% of donations made to our Community Impact Fund stay local to benefit Lake County residents in need.
 

The food and funds raised from this fundraiser work to help restock the shelves of the 40 Lake County food pantries we help support and fill the gaps in needed items that are difficult for the pantries to acquire elsewhere. The food pantries depend upon community efforts to help feed families, children, seniors, and individuals in need. They depend upon United Way of Lake County. We depend upon you.
 

With the help of our community and partners, United Way of Lake County:

• Provided 40 local food pantries with an estimated $120,999 worth of food* for those suffering from hunger.
• Helped provide 2,022 cans of formula for babies* of low-income households, nearly double the amount provided just two years ago in 2023.

*Fiscal year July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2025.

1. Monetary Donations: We are currently encouraging Monetary Donations as the number one way to contribute. As food costs remain at an all-time high, gifts of money help us meet the specific unmet needs of our community. Please click here to donate online or mail a check made payable to United Way of Lake County to United Way of Lake County, ATT: Feed Lake County, 9285 Progress Parkway, Mentor, OH 44060 
    
2. Food Drive: Organize a Food Drive at your organization, in your neighborhood, or in any groups you belong to (book clubs, card clubs, etc.) and donate all funds raised and food collected to United Way of Lake County. To sign up to participate in a food or fundraising drive, contact David Whittaker at 440-639-1203 or via email at dwhittaker@uwlc.org.

TOP 10 Most Needed Food:  If you are running a fundraiser to collect non-perishable food donations on our behalf, click here for a promotional flyer!

3.  "Philanthropic Pantry Purge!"/ Donate Food: Purge your pantry, cabinets, and cupboards to fill a box or grocery bag with food to donate! To help even further, rally your neighbors, friends, and family to do the same. Or, dedicate a portion of your weekly shopping to stock up on extras for those in need. Donations can be dropped off at our office: 9285 Project Pkwy, Mentor, OH 44060 
 

4. Volunteer: If you or someone you know is interested in helping us sort food items we can use your help! If interested, please email volunteer@uwlc.org or call Jen Smyser at 440.639.1286.