United Way of Lake County continues to boost its numbers, as the organization recently purchased enough food to provide an estimated 12,418 meals to Lake County residents facing hunger during its June 25 food distribution, benefiting more than 33 local food pantries.
The drive capped the organization’s fiscal year, 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 community supporters, helping to sustain UWLC’s year-round hunger relief efforts.
Overall, 48 local food providers benefited from UWLC’s support and distributions, made possible through grants and corporate and individual contributions.
Nearly one-third of Lake County residents struggle to stay afloat and afford basic needs such as food and housing, UWLC confirmed.
The total number of meals provided, officials added, also reflects supplemental grant funding that was awarded to UWLC in response to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program crisis, which enabled the organization to expand food assistance to meet increased community need.
A look back
United Way’s 34th annual Spring Feed Lake County Food Drive and Fundraiser raised $52,000, $25,000 of which was donated by Buyers Products Co. in Mentor. The manufacturer matched all cash donations up to $25,000.
Funds were also allocated to the Feed Lake County initiative this past 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.
Donor standouts from the food drive include Component Repair Technologies, which donated 6,030 pounds of food; Mentor High School, which donated 3,974 pounds; and Marous Bros. Construction, which donated 3,532 pounds.
Volunteers from Steris were on-site to unload food from the delivery truck, while volunteers from Teen Challenge of Greater Cleveland and Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers loaded items into vehicles as they arrived throughout the day.
Food items were purchased based on direct input from pantries, officials noted, and 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.
United Way President and CEO Dione DeMitro said Feed Lake County continues to demonstrate what a community can achieve when it comes together.
“When local businesses, volunteers and neighbors join forces, we make a real difference for families facing hunger,” she added. “Every dollar and every donated item helps someone right here.
“Hunger isn’t seasonal — it’s a daily struggle for many….that’s why keeping our on-site pantry stocked matters,” DeMitro added. “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.”
Additional ways to help
United Way encourages monetary donations as the most effective way to support local food pantries, allowing the organization to address specific unmet needs.
Those who wish to help can donate online at uwlc.org/give, by calling 440-639-1291 or by mailing a check made payable to United Way of Lake County, 9285 Progress Parkway, Mentor, OH 44060, ATTN: FLC.
To participate in a food or fundraising drive or to drop off donations, contact Community Impact Manager David Whittaker at 440-639-1203 or dwhittaker@uwlc.org.
Dining and Cooking