Empowering Cleveland: New Anti-Smoking Initiative Launches at Local Food Pantries

Cleveland’s smoking rates are finally on the decline, and health officials are determined to keep this trend going. A recent $3.3 million grant to Case Western Reserve University will fund a project that teams up with 20 local food pantries. The goal is to help clients who smoke or vape access quitting resources through a state hotline.

Dr. Jin Kim-Mozeleski, a lead researcher on the project, explains that many people who smoke don’t visit traditional healthcare settings like doctors’ offices. By reaching out through food pantries, they hope to create more opportunities for people to quit smoking.

“The idea is to bring resources directly to the community,” she says. “Can we tackle food insecurity and smoking together for better health outcomes?” This effort stems from studies showing a strong link between food insecurity and smoking.

Cleveland’s smoking rates have been notably higher than the national average. Though recent data shows a 45% drop in cigarette use over the past decade, issues remain. Cigar smoking is rising, particularly among Black and African American residents. Stephanie Pike Moore from Case Western Reserve emphasizes the need to focus on these troubling trends.

The project will implement an innovative method called “ask, advise, connect.” Food pantry staff will ask clients about their smoking habits, advise them on quitting, and connect them directly to the state’s quit line. Past research shows that people are much more likely to enroll in treatment when they receive a call from a support line instead of having to initiate it themselves.

As they develop the program, researchers face questions like who should ask patrons about smoking and how to do it sensitively. They plan to gather insights from pantry staff and clients this summer.

By early 2026, they aim to start this program across 20 food pantries in the city. Kristen Mikelbank from the Greater Cleveland Food Bank believes that any health-related initiative that improves community well-being is worth pursuing.

Cleveland’s efforts reflect broader trends. Similar initiatives in other cities have shown success, and experts suggest that community engagement is key. Dr. Kim-Mozeleski’s work offers a fresh approach: linking smoking cessation to food security, aiming for healthier outcomes for all.

For those interested in the statistics, new findings point to less youth starting to smoke, contributing to the overall decline. However, the progress has been uneven, and there’s much more work to do.

The Ohio Department of Health provides resources like the quitting hotline, which offers counseling and free nicotine patches or gum. Such programs are critical as the battle against tobacco continues. Cleveland is taking steps, and the hope is that these new resources will make a real difference in people’s lives.



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Case Western Reserve University,Cleveland Department of Public Health