CLEVELAND — According to the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, more than 4,000 people were served in just three hours at their last drive-thru food distribution. These numbers highlight a growing need in the community.
That’s why businesses, organizations and individuals are stepping up to help.
MAKESHIFT PANTRY
“We see that the Cleveland Food Bank is backed up and overloaded, so you know we're out here in Avon and we can help,” says Tom Wagner, president of Railroad Brewing Company.
The taproom of Wagner's brewery, located on Center Road, was turned into a makeshift pantry.
“We've got everything from can goods and non-perishables to paper products,” says Wagner.
They're giving it all away for free Monday through Saturday between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
BABIES AND BRUNCH
In Cleveland, the team behind Babies and Brunch says they're feeding between 70 and 80 children daily.
The grassroots effort is focusing on kids who may not be able to travel to the 22 sites where Cleveland Metropolitan School District is serving free meals.
HUNGER NETWORK
The Hunger Network is continuing their Food Rescue program where volunteers pick up excess food from donors and transport it to non-profit organizations who are directly connected to those in need.
“So we're really just trying to get good food to people who need it right where they are,” says Hannah Westfall of the Hunger Network.
From makeshift pantries to packing lunches at home, this is just a small glimpse into how Northeast Ohio is carrying the load of providing for one another.