United Way of Lake County recently distributed over $40,000 in food to 37 Lake County food pantries during its spring Feed Lake County Food Drive and Fundraiser.
Overall, the organization has contributed more than $88,000 worth of food to the community as of June 11.
Officials stated that the campaign raised $50,269, noting that this sum included $25,000 donated by Buyers Products Co. in Mentor for the fourth consecutive year as a donor match incentive.
Funds were also allocated to the initiative last winter from the Jerome T. Osborne and Georgeanne S. Osborne Charitable Trust. Remaining funds will be used to help replenish the food pantries later in the year.
Additionally, the campaign generated more than $48,000 in food, much of which has already been delivered through UWLC’s year-round food pantry shopping program.
Established last year, the on-site pantry allows area pantries to shop as needed throughout the year.
The items purchased were selected based on input from quarterly UWLC Food Coalition meetings.
Items distributed on the 11th included chunk white chicken, tuna, beef ravioli, spaghetti and sauce, peanut butter and jelly, pancake mix, syrup, cereal, and apple juice.
Additional donors from UWLC’s spring food drive included Component Repair Technologies, which donated 8,532 pounds; Marous Brothers Construction, which donated 5,500 pounds; and PCC Airfoils, which donated 5,116 pounds.
Volunteers from the STERIS Corp. were on-site to help unload the food from the delivery truck and sort it into groups for the pantries.
UWLC staff members loaded the vehicles and distributed the food as part of a coordinated staff service initiative that reflects the organization’s commitment to hands-on support.
“Feed Lake County is a true community effort,” said UWLC President and CEO Dione DeMitro, noting 36 percent of Lake County residents struggle to afford basic needs. “It’s a reflection of what’s possible when local businesses, volunteers and residents come together to care for one another.
“What makes this effort meaningful is that every dollar and donation directly impacts our neighbors,” she added. “The need for food isn’t seasonal — it’s year-round. That’s why we established our on-site food pantry and encourage year-round food donations to help keep shelves stocked for when our pantries need it most.”
A list of food pantries can be found at uwlc.org/food-pantries. Those in a position to donate are asked to visit uwlc.org/give.
Checks payable to United Way of Lake County can also be mailed to them at 9285 Progress Parkway, Mentor, OH 44060. Attention: FLC.
To donate food or to organize a food drive, contact UWLC Community Impact Manager David Whittaker at dwhittaker@uwlc.org or call 440.639.1203.
Originally Published: June 18, 2025 at 6:00 AM EDT