As many as 190,000 people in Cuyahoga County rely on SNAP benefits, which are at risk during the government shutdown.
Benefits can be a lifeline for families struggling to make ends meet. Local food banks and pantries are bracing for higher demand. Earlier this year, the Greater Cleveland Food Bank lost about $1 million after the Trump administration canceled emergency food assistance contracts for about 553,000 pounds of food.
Local leaders announced a $600,000 emergency fund on Oct. 31 to shore up resources at the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. State officials have pledged $25 million to help food banks and get emergency aid to 63,000 families with the highest needs.
The Greater Cleveland Food Bank serves more than 1,000 pantries and food programs that you can search on its website or call 216-738-2067. With demand high, it’s a good idea to call and make sure food is still available.
United Way’s 211 line or online chat also now has a food finder for people looking for groceries or meals.
Find food pantries, grocery giveaways and hot meals in Greater Cleveland
Monthly, weekly or daily product and food distribution sites
St. Augustine Community Cupboard & Closet
When: Every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: 2486 W. 14th Street in Cleveland
Fresh produce distribution at MetroHealth Medical Center
When: Third Thursday of the month, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: 2500 MetroHealth Drive in Cleveland in the Outpatient Plaza
Details: Sponsored by Greater Cleveland Food Bank
Salvation Army Cleveland Temple food pantry
When: Monday – Thursday 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: The Salvation Army Cleveland Temple at 17625 Grovewood Ave. in Cleveland
Details: You can visit the pantry two times per month
Fresh produce distribution at South Pointe Hospital
When: First and Third Friday of the month from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Where: South Pointe Hospital (South Entrance), 20000 Harvard Rd. in Warrensville Heights
Details: Fresh produce available. Must bring an ID.
Salvation Army West Park produce giveaway
When: Third Friday of the month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: 12645 Lorain Ave. in Cleveland
Details: Bring your own bag and an ID
Mary Queen of Peace Produce giveaway
When: Third Saturday of the month from
Where: 4423 Pearl Road in Cleveland
Greater Heights Church of Christ grocery distribution
When: Third Saturday of the month from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Greater Heights Church of Christ, 2409 Willowdale in Cleveland
Details: Call 216-616-4422 with questions
Halle School produce market
When: Fourth Wednesday of the month from 1 to 2 p.m.
Where: Halle School at 7901 Halle Ave. in Cleveland
Details: Includes fresh produce
Food Not Bombs distribution
When: Second and fourth Sunday of the month
Where: 6321 St. Clair Ave. in Cleveland
Details: Includes fresh produce, staples and baked good. The group also distributes at Daniels Park and Dam in Willoughby in (in the parking lot pavilion on the north side of Johnnycake Ridge Road) from 3 to 4 p.m. PM on the first and third Sunday of the month.
Frederick Douglass High School produce giveaway
When: Second Tuesday of the month from noon to 4 p.m.
Where: Frederick Douglass High School Euclid Campus, 22700 Shore Center Dr. in Euclid. (Back parking lot)
Details: Fruits and vegetables available
Avon Avenue Baptist Church – Hunger Network pantry
When: Weekly on Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: 10902 Avon Avenue in Cleveland
Cleveland, Ohio
Details: Fruits and vegetables available
Bethany Baptist Church – Hunger Network pantry
When: Fourth Saturday of the month from 9:00 to 11:00 am
Where: 1211 East 105th St. in Cleveland
Details: Fruits and vegetables available
Delta Alpha Lambda Foundation – Hunger Network pantry
When: First Wednesday of the month from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: 2820 East 116th St. in Cleveland
Cleveland, Ohio, 44120
Details: Fruits and vegetables available
Food distribution at MidTown Market
When: Weekly on Tuesdays from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: 4415 Euclid Avenue in Cleveland
Details: Fresh produce available. You can visit the pantry two times per month, the first for dry goods, meats, and dairy as well as fruits and vegetables. The second for produce only.
Food distribution and Mobile Fresh Produce Pantry at University Settlement
When: Food distribution Tuesday-Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and mobile fresh produce pantry the first Monday of every month from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Where: 5115 Broadway Avenue in Cleveland
Food distribution at Heavenly Harvest Food Pantry
When: First Saturday of every month from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m.
Where: 4260 Rocky River Dr. in Cleveland
Food distribution at Bountiful Basement
When: Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Wednesdays from 5:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.
Where: 4370 West 140th in Cleveland
Details: This program serves zip codes 44135 and 44111 and visitors must meet federal income requirements.
Islamic Center of Greater Cleveland
When: First Saturday of the month from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m/
Where: 6055 W. 130th in Cleveland
Details: Call 440-552-2190 with questions
Dahlia Coffee meal bags
When: While supplies last
Where: Dahlia Coffee at 2085 W 114th St. in Cleveland
Details: Meal bags with non-perishable itema
Food and produce distribution by date
Food distribution at Celebration UMC Church
When: Nov. 13 from 3 to 5 p.m.
Where: Celebration UMC Church, 771 E. 260th St. in Euclid
Cuyahoga County Public Library – Warrensville Heights Branch
When: Nov. 13 from 1:30 to 3 p.m.
Where: 4415 Northfield Rd. in Warrensville Heights
Details: Greater Cleveland Food Bank supported giveaway. First-come, first-served basis, while supplies last, weather permitting.
St. Mary of Egypt Orthodox Mission and Chapel food distribution
When: Nov. 15 from 1 to 3 p.m.
Where: St. Mary of Egypt Orthodox Mission and Chapel at 4345 State Road
Details: No advance registration. You will register at the distribution on that day, so bring a valid photo ID. Line up across the street for a drive-up distribution. No residency restrictions.
Bedford Heights Community Center produce distribution
When: Nov. 15 at 10 a.m.
Where: Bedford Heights Community Center at 5615 Perkins Ave.
Details: Produce distribution. Bring photo ID. Questions? Call 440-786-3214
Love in Action Ohio Produce & Bakery distribution
When: Nov. 15, Nov. 22 and 29 at 1 p.m.
Where: Collinwood Area Plaza at 15827 Lakeshore Blvd.
Details: Greater Cleveland Food Bank supported giveaway. First-come, first-served basis, while supplies last, weather permitting.
Calvary Church of God Christ
When: Nov. 19 from 3 p.m. until food runs out
Where: 10801 Superior Ave. in Cleveland
Details: First come, first served. Please bring ID and bags.
Church on the Heights food giveaway
When: Nov. 21 and Dec. 19 from 3 to 5 p.m.
Where: Church on the Heights, 2706 Noble Road in Cleveland Heights
Details: You are encouraged to bring your own bag.
Cuyahoga County Public Library – Parma-Snow Branch
When: Dec. 2 from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
Where: 2121 Snow Rd in Parma
Details: Greater Cleveland Food Bank supported giveaway. First-come, first-served basis, while supplies last, weather permitting
Victorious Women Helping Women Ministries
- When: Dec. 16 from 2 to 4 p.m.
- Where: 1257 E. 67th St.
- Details: A mobile food pantry.
Mobile food pantry
When: Dec. 26 at noon
Where: 3096 Scranton Rd. in Cleveland
Details: Fresh produce for those who qualify. Questions? 216-626-7060
Hot meals
Grace Recovery Cafe
When: Wednesdays from 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Where: 3210 East 49th St. in Cleveland
Details: Hot meals to go and sit down meals available
Dante’s in Tremont
When: Nov. 30 from 3 to 5 p.m.
Where: 2247 Professor Ave. in Tremont
Details: Curbside carry out family meals of chicken, vegtables and garlic mashed potatoes
Trinity Cathedral hot meal
When: Saturdays from noon to 1 p.m.
Where: 2230 Euclid Ave. in Cleveland
Details: Call 216-771-3630 with questions
Faith Baptist Community Center hot meal
When: Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: 2355 E. 55th in Cleveland
Details: Call 216-881-8816 with questions
Fatima Family Center
When: Tuesdays from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Where: 6600 Lexington Ave, Cleveland, OH 44103
Details: Call (216) 391-0505 with questions
EDWINS at Old Stone Church
When: Wednesdays at 11 a.m.
Where: Old Stone Church(91 Public Square in Cleveland), Redeemer Crisis Center (2970 W 30th St. in Cleveland), Church of the Covenant (11205 Euclid Ave. in Cleveland), North Presbyterian Church (4515 Superior Ave. in Cleveland)
Details: Hearty soups prepared by EDWINS
St. Augustine Hunger Center hot meals
When: Lunch served Monday-Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dinner served Monday-Friday from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Where:1400 Howard Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44113
Details: Call (216) 415-5101 with questions
Shout out to The Cleveland Resource Page on Facebook for gathering flyers on distribution sites. Signal Cleveland reporters Franziska Wild, Celia Hack and Gennifer Harding-Gosnell contributed to this list.