According to the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, one in five people in their service area is food insecure. In Lake County alone, the United Way reports that Lifeline’s help referral hotline received 9,223 inquiries for food assistance in 2020. Inquiries for food rank first among all inquiries received.
LAKE COUNTY MOBILE FOOD PANTRY
The Lake County Mobile Food Pantry was established during the pandemic to combat food insecurity by providing a box of fresh produce to qualifying, limited-income Lake County Seniors. Distribution occurs Tuesdays from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Laketran Park-n-Ride lot located at 8650 Market Street in Mentor and based on the ongoing need, will continue to operate through at least January 25, 2022.
Registration is required, and 100 spots are available per week. Lake County seniors, 60 years and older, may register by calling Lifeline at 2-1-1 or the Lake County Council on Aging at (440) 205-8111. Participants must certify annual gross household income is at or below $25,759 for a household of 1 and $34,839 for a household of 2. Income is self-declared; verification is not required. Pick-up is contactless. Volunteers place the box of produce in the recipient’s car trunk.
Free transportation to the Lake County Mobile Food Pantry is available through Laketran’s Dial-a-Ride service.
Call Laketran Customer Service at (440) 354-6100 to arrange transportation to the produce pick-up. Reservations can be made 1-12 business days in advance.
This program is made possible by a partnership between Avery Dennison, Lake County Council on Aging, Board of Lake County Commissioners Senior Services, Lifeline, RSVP of Lake County, and Greater Cleveland Food Bank.
MENTOR SENIOR CENTER
The Mentor Senior Center and the Greater Cleveland Food Bank also partner to offer monthly food distribution to limited-income seniors in our area. Packages includes 90% produce such as apples, cabbage, greens, sweet potatoes, onions, carrots, oranges, and melons. The remaining 10% is usually bread, dairy, or frozen products.
Additional packaged foods such as pasta and rice are included when available.
Preregistration is not required but please bring a photo ID as all participants will be registered on site.
Participants must certify annual gross household income is at or below $25,759 for a household of 1 and $34,839 for a household of 2. Income is self-declared; verification is not required. First come, first served.
Upcoming distribution dates are as follows:
January 24 – 10 to 11 AM
February 28 – 10 to 11 AM
Even if you receive food from other distributions, you may still come to the Senior Center if you meet the qualifications.
Call the Mentor Senior Center at 440-974-5725 with any questions.