UWLC distributes $87,000 worth of food to feed growing need

Jun. 23—United Way of Lake County has distributed a total of $87,000 in food items to over 30 Lake County food pantries as efforts to address the growing community need have increased.

While some of the distributions took place last month, the bulk of the action took place June 23.

Clients and staff members from the Lake County Board of Developmental Disabilities/Deepwood were on-site to volunteer in loading the food into various pantry vehicles.

UWLC convenes with pantries several times a year to determine the items that are most needed.

Items typically requested include apple juice, fruit cocktail, cereal, oatmeal, pancake mix, syrup, peanut butter and jelly, soup, mac and cheese, pasta, tuna, canned chicken, boxed mashed potatoes and bottled water.

United Way of Lake County Resource Development Manager David Whittaker, left, and LCBDDD/D staffer Judith Tsiros, far right, with Christopher, prepare to unload food items in Mentor on June 23. The nonprofit distributed $87,000 in food items to over 30 local pantries. (Chad Felton ??

Donations began during the nonprofit's 30th Annual Food Drive and Fundraiser, which takes place every spring.

Two of the largest donors to date include Mentor Public Schools, whose students and administration collected and donated food valued at over $23,000, and Marous Brothers Construction, which collected and donated food valued at over $7,000.

In addition to the food UWLC collected, the organization raised over $60,000 in cash from donors, including $25,000 donated by Buyers Products Co. in Mentor.

The funds will be used to help restock food pantry shelves later in the year, officials noted.

"We are grateful for the generosity of our donors and volunteers who made today happen," said UWLC Director of Marketing and Communications Tami Lewis. "The collective impact we've been able to make will help ensure families in need have food on the table and our community's children do not go to bed hungry."

Pastor Larry Bogenrief of Willow Praise Church in Willowick praised UWLC for helping fill his pantry's needs, adding that his food bank is experiencing a growing sense of urgency, especially among seniors living on fixed incomes while battling rising costs.

Moreover, Bogenrief's clients have increased from fewer than 100 regulars in December to 185 this month, and he expects the rapid growth to continue.

"Over the last 15 years I've been running our food bank, I've never seen anything like the uptick in need that's currently occurring," he said.

According to UWLC, a total of 27,130 Lake County residents are estimated to be living with food insecurity, reflecting 11.8 percent of the population and equating to one in 8.5 residents.

The figures are 9 percent higher than in 2019, before the pandemic.

Additionally, about 7,000 Lake County children are estimated to be living with food insecurity, which reflects 14.8 percent, equating to one in 6.7.

These numbers are 11 percent higher than in 2019.

Nearly one-third of Lake County residents struggle to afford basic needs, the nonprofit added, including the "working poor" who make up a stark 23 percent, on top of the 8 percent who live in poverty.

"The rapid price hikes in food and the inflationary environment we find ourselves in has placed an even greater burden on these residents and middle class who do not qualify for federal nutrition programs or assistance," Lewis said.

Denise Dworning, of Vineyard Community Church in Wickliffe, noted her pantry has been seeing a steady increase in need.

"It's not even a case of 'Do I buy food or medicine?' anymore, it's 'Can we afford anything?' Although people seem to think it's getting better, it's not. It's getting worse," she said.

"We're getting more and more feedback from people saying they are afraid of not being able to feed their children or take care of their three-generational household of grandparents, kids, and grandchildren just trying to survive."

Those struggling with hunger or in need of health and human services are encouraged to visit uwlc.org/help-resources. More comprehensive help can also be found by calling Lifeline's 2-1-1 referral hotline 24/7.

Those in a position to donate are asked to visit uwlc.org/give.

Checks payable to United Way of Lake County can also be mailed to them at 9285 Progress Parkway, Mentor, OH 44060. Attention: FLC.