Serving Love and Hope All Year Long

Serving Love and Hope All Year Long

At the heart of the Greater Cleveland Food Bank is a bustling hub of activity — the Kelvin & Eleanor Smith Foundation Production Kitchen. For over two decades, this full-scale kitchen has been the cornerstone of the Food Bank’s mission to combat hunger in Northeast Ohio.

Each day, the kitchen’s professional staff and dedicated volunteers work tirelessly to prepare thousands of nutritious meals. And each meal is carefully crafted to meet dietary guidelines, ensuring children, families, and seniors receive the nourishment they need.

The kitchen’s impact on childhood hunger is particularly significant. In 2023 alone, the Food Bank kitchen served up nearly 350,000 meals for the Kids Cafe after-school meal program! And when the summer months hit, the Summer Food Service Program provided almost 150,000 breakfasts and lunches across 95 sites, ensuring children receive nourishment year-round.

For seniors, the kitchen’s output is equally impressive. On a typical day, they produce about 2,100 meals for homebound seniors and 800 meals for community or senior centers. These meals are crucial for maintaining the health and independence of older adults in our community.

But what sets this kitchen apart most is its commitment to quality and variety. Menus rotate seasonally, offering a range of options from hearty meat entrees to delicious vegetarian dishes, all accompanied by healthy sides and fruits. Every meal is planned and reviewed by a registered dietician, ensuring it meets the highest nutritional standards.

Every donation, no matter the size, fuels our ability to prepare and distribute these vital meals. Together, we can ensure no one in our community goes hungry!

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