Food bank faces surge in demand after storm devastation

In a recent government meeting, representatives from the Greater Cleveland Food Bank outlined the urgent need for food assistance in Cuyahoga County following a recent storm that significantly impacted local residents. The food bank, which operates a network of 309 agencies, reported a dramatic increase in demand, with call volumes surging by 300% in the week after the storm and remaining at 200% two weeks later.

The food bank distributes food from various sources, including the USDA and state programs, and serves individuals and families living at or below 200% of the poverty line. The organization is currently focused on restocking supplies depleted during the storm while also addressing the immediate needs of those who lost food due to power outages.

Julie Johnson, a representative from the hunger network, highlighted that some pantries are experiencing a 20-40% increase in visitors. One hot meal site reported running out of food for the first time in its history, forcing it to turn away individuals seeking assistance.

The meeting also addressed funding strategies to support these efforts. Officials discussed potential reimbursement from state and federal sources, including TANF and FEMA funds, to help cover the costs incurred during the crisis. The food bank has already raised over $100,000 from corporate donations, showcasing a strong community response to the ongoing need.

The board unanimously approved a motion to allocate additional resources to the food bank, emphasizing the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing food insecurity in the region. The food bank plans to continue tracking the situation and report back on the outcomes of their services in the coming months.