On April 30, Cleveland Clinic announced a $2.5 million donation to Feeding Medina County, spread over five years. This is part of a broader $50 million commitment aimed at tackling food insecurity in the region.
Vickie Johnson, Cleveland Clinic’s Chief Community Officer, emphasized the importance of this investment. She said it aims to ensure consistent access to healthy food for families and children, allowing Feeding Medina County to plan for the future effectively.
Feeding Medina County plays a crucial role in supporting Cleveland Clinic’s Medina and Lodi hospitals. They provide “Go Bags” filled with shelf-stable food for discharged patients and deliver groceries bi-weekly to over 60 homebound seniors.
Dr. Thomas Rogers, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Cleveland Clinic Medina Hospital, noted that access to healthy food is vital for recovery and wellness. He explained that their partnership with Feeding Medina County helps them address health issues that extend beyond hospital walls.
Founded in 2012, Feeding Medina County was born from the belief that no one should go hungry in the area. Over the years, it has expanded, now offering five programs to assist children, seniors, and working families in need.
Cleveland Clinic’s support will enable Feeding Medina County to undertake several new initiatives:
- Launch a choice pantry for families to pick foods that suit their needs.
- Look into acquiring a larger facility for better food storage and distribution.
- Create a community resource center to act as a hub for food assistance and related services.
Janet Newcomer, Executive Director of Feeding Medina County, expressed gratitude for this generous gift. She believes it will help them provide groceries more effectively and expand their services to meet growing needs.
Currently, Feeding Medina County delivers around 1,000 weekend bags each week and assists seniors in subsidized housing. They also provide food to those visiting food distributions within Medina County.
This ongoing support from Cleveland Clinic aligns with their commitment to addressing food insecurity through various programs, including teaching kitchens, meal initiatives for children, food vouchers, and partnerships with local farms.
Studies show that nearly 10% of households in the U.S. experience food insecurity, making partnerships like the one between Cleveland Clinic and Feeding Medina County even more critical. By connecting health care with community resources, they are working toward a healthier future for everyone in Medina County.
For more information, you can visit Feeding Medina County.
