Lend a hand (or a can) for the holidays!

With the holiday season almost upon us, now more than ever there is a need for food assistance for those in our own neighborhood.

Why give? Hunger is increasing in Ohio! Here are few facts to consider:

• In 2008, 49.1 million (16.4%) Americans lived in food insecure households compared to 36.2 million (12.2%) in 2007.
• 1 in 6 Americans does not have access to enough food.
• 74% of food pantries in Ohio reported an increase since 2006 in the number of clients who request emergency food assistance.

Source: feedingamerica.org

Cash donations are needed more than anything. The food pantries in the area purchase what they distribute from the Cleveland Food Bank. The Cleveland Food Bank purchases in bulk quantities, allowing dollars that you donate to go further. For example, food pantries can purchase a case of tuna for the same price we could buy 10 or so cans from the grocery store. Typically, $1 will feed a family of four one meal and a donation of $8 can provide a family a complete holiday dinner or enough food for a week!

The “Super Six” most distributed food items are:
• Beef Stew
• Canned Soup
• Canned Vegetables
• Cereal
• Peanut Butter
• Tuna Fish

About the Cleveland Food Bank:

The Cleveland Foodbank supplies a majority of the food used in local hot meal sites, shelters, and food pantries. In addition, we provide food to child care centers, group homes, and programs for the elderly.

The Foodbank works closely with other Northeast Ohio hunger relief organizations, providing food and nonfood products to hunger centers administered by the Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland, the Catholic Hunger and Shelter Network, and the Salvation Army, among others.

How you can get involved:

If you would like to make a monetary donation or donate canned goods to the Cleveland Food Bank or any of the food pantries in our area, please drop them off at the Collinwood & Nottingham Villages Development Corporation at 15614 St. Clair Ave. between the hours of 9-3, Monday through Friday. We will distribute them according to your wishes to the local pantries and make sure you get a tax deduction receipt if needed. Please be sure that any food you donate is not expired or damaged (rusty cans, opened boxes, etc.).

Please note that the Collinwood & Nottingham Villages Development Corporation does not provide food or financial assistance. All of the local churches accept donations, but would appreciate them before or after their hours of worship.  Please contact them individually for details.

Do you or someone you know need help?

1. Call the United Way First Call for Help at 2-1-1. They can refer you to a variety of agencies and programs for assistance.

2. The Collinwood & Nottingham Villages Development Corporation would also be happy to refer South Collinwood   residents to agencies/programs. They can be reached at 216-383-9772 or info@cnvdc.org.