Gathering At the Table

Chelsea’s family finds comfort in community — and nourishing meals

For Chelsea, mealtimes used to bring more stress than joy. Two working parents, two growing kids, and a grocery bill that kept climbing — especially around the holidays.

“There’s definitely tough times,” she says. “And to know that you can rely on the Food Bank to provide during those times is great.”

Even with both parents employed, Chelsea’s family still faces hard choices. “We both work. I definitely am cognizant that we are lucky to both have jobs,” she says. “But I think everybody goes through the ups and downs of life.”

At the Cleveland Metroparks Lunch and Learn, one of the Food Bank’s summer meal program partners, her children receive a nutritious meal — something wholesome and dependable, at no cost. It’s just once a week. But for Chelsea, it’s a lifeline.

“Food brings people together,” she says. “You see all these people sitting here and everybody’s sitting enjoying food.”

In a world that often feels uncertain, a warm meal served with dignity is something powerful. And thanks to the support of people like you, families like Chelsea’s don’t have to face hunger alone.

With federal reductions to state and federal public nutrition programs, your continued generosity matters more than ever. Thank you for keeping the table set — and the chairs full.