CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Public Library has teamed up with the Greater Cleveland Food Bank to help feed children and families in the summer months.
"From June 8 through August 7, the Library and the Food Bank will provide Grab & Go meals every Thursday for children 18 and under at four Cleveland Public Library branches," the CPL announced Tuesday.
The east side locations and timing will be the East 131st Street branch from 10:30 a.m.-noon. and Sterling from 12:30-2 p.m. The west side meal sites will be Walz from 10:30 a.m.-noon and Fulton from 12:30-2 p.m.
"Cleveland Public Library is pleased to partner with the Greater Cleveland Food Bank to offer this vital service to our community," Felton Thomas Jr., Executive Director and CEO of the CPL, said in a statement. "We're in the business of developing the minds of children, however, we recognize kids can't thrive and grow without a nutritious meal."
The GCFB's Outreach Truck will be parked outside the four CPL branches to provide each child with enough food for five meals. Staff from the Food Bank will also be on site to help adults with the application process for food assistance and other critical benefits.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, Food Bank staff will wear masks and gloves while distributing meals, and guests are "strongly encouraged" to wear masks and practice safe social distancing. This initiative is crucial, as the Food Bank estimates there to be up to 81,000 food insecure children in the Greater Cleveland area, with more expected due to the pandemic.