Biking For A Cause

Bike Cleveland, a local nonprofit organization that specializes in promoting cycling activities and events all over our beloved city, just donated thousands of dollars worth of donations in food and money to the Hunger Network!  Cranksgiving is their annual event that is held at different venues all over our city.  Participants bring their bikes and cycle to different grocery stores in order to purchase food to donate to Hunger Network pantries for the holidays.  This is the second year in a row that this remarkable event has donated the proceeds of this event to our organization!

This year’s Cranksgiving took place at the Beachland Ballroom on November 22; the Hunger Network was there to spread awareness about our mission to help fight hunger and also the linkage of hunger to health, which is the focus of our organization’s Stay Well Project. As you may know, Stay Well works toward reducing the chronic illnesses that result from food deserts (or areas without a grocery store within a half-mile.) for clients of the Hunger Network.

To help illustrate what few options are available to people without transportation or access to grocery stores, Stay Well Project Coordinator Sara Continenza led the group to a near-by grocery store. This small convenience store had a very limited, in size and product selection, produce section and almost no healthy food (photo below). These limited resources make it incredibly difficult for neighbors in these communities to access healthy food  - this, in turn, leads to poor health outcomes for these folks. This hands on experience helped Cranksgiving participants to truly understand the need in our community and the substantial help they were offering on that day.

The Hunger Network has 98 hunger centers throughout Cuyahoga County. Two of our pantries, CACCI and CACCII, were the lucky recipients of this year’s Cranksgiving donations. However, all of our centers need your help as this is the busiest time of year. The need is the highest throughout the months of November and December, increasing from serving 60,000 people per month, to over 75,000 in our pantries alone. With the need being high, and our resources being stressed to the limit, no donation is too small.

Cranksigiving was a tremendous food and fund drive that will make a difference to so many in right here in Cuyahoga County. 

A New Tradition of Generosity

‘Tis the season! With Thanksgiving behind us, it’s full force towards celebrations, such as Christmas, Hanukah and Kwanza. It’s a time we gather with loved ones and show them how much we care by giving gifts in all shapes and sizes.

With the season of giving gifts upon us, our society has created two exciting days to shop for those gifts: Black Friday & Cyber Monday. We are all familiar with these “holidays,” and so are our credit cards. But, NOW there is a new holiday and it’s simple to celebrate – it’s #GivingTuesday!

You can learn more about #GivingTuesday here - http://www.givingtuesday.org/

But really, the idea is easy – simply donate and be part of the global effort dedicated to giving back on Tuesday, Dec. 2^nd. Today, the world unites for one common purpose: to celebrate generosity and to give.

The Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland is proud to have a partner for such an important day. Mr. Hero Restaurants is not only a dedicated supporter of the Hunger Network, but they taken this new holiday #GivingTuesday a step further…if you give to us, they give to you! What could be better than that?!

Today, be a Hunger HERO by making a donation of at least $10 at HungerNetwork.org and receive a coupon for a FREE 7” sandwich from your favorite sandwich shop, Mr. Hero Restaurants. The first 100 donors of a minimum donation of $10 will receive this generous perk of giving on #GivingTuesday.

Mr. Hero Restaurants’ generosity is contagious; we are so excited to spread the word on their substantial support, but need your help.

• Step #1: Visit HungerNetwork.org and make a donation of at least $10.
• Step #2: Post on social media…share on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Use the hashtag #GivingTuesday and #HungerHero and tag @HungerNetworkGC
• Step #3: Patiently wait for your Mr. Hero 7” sandwich coupon to arrive in the mail….and ENJOY!

This holiday season, we will all give so many wonderful gifts to those we love. But, today give a gift of food. Join the global movement that is #GivingTuesday and donate at HungerNetwork.org. We look forward to celebrating with you and Mr. Hero!

Happy National Eating Healthy Day, Cleveland!

The Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland is proud to be participating in yet another healthy eating campaign!  The American Heart Association's National Eating Healthy Day is today - Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2014. Today, Americans are encouraged to commit to healthier eating and we are no difference at the HNGC. In fact, the Stay Well Project hosted an event at Faith Baptist Church and Wellness Center this afternoon. We discussed mental wellness, our topic of the month along with our preventative health screenings and medical navigation that we implement at every health event thanks to our amazing community partners. In addition to these activities, we also distributed foods packed with healthy omega-3 fatty acids and lots of recipes that incorporate brain-healthy nutrients. 

In the Stay Well Project, we are bridging the gap between hunger and health.  By emphasizing diet and lifestyle as the primary vehicle for physical, mental and emotional wellness, we are getting people to become and stay well!  We are proud to support national initiatives and events that further promote that goal. 


It’s not to late to participate in today’s healthy eating campaign; for more information on National Eating Healthy Day, please visit Heart.org.

Stay Well Celebrates Food Day!

National Food Day is October 24^th 2014.  This day is designed to “resolve to make changes in our own diets and to take action to solve food-related problems in our communities at the local, state, and national level”. One major focus of this year’s Food Day is on equitable food access, something the Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland advocates for every day right here in Cuyahoga County.

To celebrate this event, the Hunger Network, in partnership with the Healthy Cleveland 2.0 Initiative of Cleveland City Council, will be hosting special food demonstration at our monthly Stay Well Project event. Clients will gather at the Harvard Community Services Center, one of the Hunger Network’s 11 hunger centers selected to participate in Stay Well.  Since October is Cold and Flu month for Stay Well, we will have special flu-friendly food items that are affordable, easy to make, and antioxidant-rich.  Tiffani Gilbert from Cutting Board Academy will be leading these demonstrations. 

The Stay Well Project, in partnership with University Hospitals Department of Family Medicine and supported by the Mt. Sinai Health Care Foundation, always strives to take a diet and lifestyle approach to the prevention/management of disease, so this event is a great fit for us!  This event will also include our traditional health screenings (thanks to Tri-C School of Physician Assistants and Ohio Northern University School of Pharmacy), including blood pressure, blood sugar, body mass index and body fat percentage screenings, and Walgreens will be supplying free flu shots to anyone interested in receiving one. 

The Stay Well Project is free and open to all!  More information can be found here. 

Event Details:

Where: Harvard Community Services Center, 18240 Harvard Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio

When: From 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Andy's Hunger Action Month Challenge!

Andy the Apple whispered to me (okay, maybe a little louder than a whisper) that September is Hunger Action Month.  What does that mean, I asked?  It means that September is a time to focus attention on the nationwide problem of hunger in our communities – and for the Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland, that means right here in our Cleveland-area communities!

As Andy so aptly says, by working together we can make a difference.  In Cuyahoga County, there are more than 274,000 people who visit local food pantries and hot meal sites a year.  That’s one in six people!  That could well be your neighbor, your friend or a co-worker.  And nearly half of the hungry are children.  It seems like a lot of people in need – and it is!

But, in Andy’s words, giving a little, helps a lot.  For Hunger Action Month, we at the Hunger Network challenge you to make a difference this month.  Take action!  

Andy has conveniently listed some suggestions on our website, but asked me to recap.  There are three main ways in which you can help!  You can donate funds. You can educate your 

co-workers, friends and family. And you can join the Hunger Network at a community event.

Donating funds is easy.  You can make a secure donation online at our website, HungerNetwork.org.  Or you can text FOOD to 80100 to donate $10.  You can also simply mail a check into our office.  Remember, $1.00 buys 4 meals at one of our food pantries or hot meal sites.  Ten dollars pays for forty meals!

Try getting your office involved!  Conduct a “Jeans Day” or “Dress Down Day”, host a bake sale, auction off a reserved parking space or sell Hunger Network apples in your office or company (apples can be printed off our website).  

How many of your co-workers know what the Hunger Network does?  Andy suggests using our website and video as an educational tool.  A Hunger Network employee would also be happy to visit your business or organization to share information about our programs and services.

Andy, along with many of the Hunger Network staff and volunteers, will be out in the community at several upcoming events. We invite you to join us at the Whiskey Island Brew-B-Q, benefiting the Hunger Network, on Saturday, September 20th from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. at Whiskey Island.  The 8th Annual Rolling on the River is a casino-themed Hunger Network benefit on Friday, September 26th from 7:30 – 11:30 p.m. at Windows on the River in the flats.  And the Michael Sone Recreation Center at 6301 Lorain Avenue will be the site of a Potluck in the Park from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 27th.  More information on all these events can be found on our website.  

Take Andy’s challenge and take action to help us fight hunger in our community!  Together, we can make a difference!

First Annual Spin for Din was a Spinning Success

The Hunger Network held its first ever “Spin for Din: Help Feed Cleveland’s Hungry Families” in collaboration with Psycle Therapy this past Sunday on August 24, 2014. The event, hosted at Crocker Park in Westlake, was a huge success raising almost $6,000 in support of the Hunger Network’s mission to provide meals to hungry residents of Cuyahoga County. Throughout the course of the very sunny day, over 130 riders received an outdoor cycling class from various instructors from Psycle. The 45-minute workouts were paired to the musical stylings of DJ Smoov of CLE Music Group and were upbeat, intense, and empowering.

As the photographer for the event, I got to witness riders of all ages, shapes, and sizes participate and have a blast at the event. The blazing sun didn't seem to have any effect on the intensity of the instructors nor did it have much of an effect on the riders. In fact, throughout the 85 degree day during the four 45-minute spin sessions, Psycle instructors would dance up and down the rows of stationary bikes spraying the riders with ice cold water.

After the first two sessions, I was so inspired by the amount of fun the riders were having while simultaneously getting in a great workout, that I decided, spur-of-the-moment, to participate in the third session as a rider. I've taken spinning classes before but this one was by far the best and most rewarding.

Besides the outdoor spin classes that had limited spots, Spin for Din also featured lots of giveaways from participating sponsors: Nooma, SkyZone, Zippy Shell [who assisted in the transportation of the stationary bikes from Psycle’s studio to Crocker Park], the popular food truck “Wok ‘n Roll,” as well as a truck selling apparel from Fresh Brewed Tees, who also designed shirts specifically for the event.  These specially-designed Psycle t-shirts were not just awesome swag for riders to purchase, but a fundraising effort, as well. Psycle generously donated $5 back to the HNGC for each shirt sold – and guess what, they SOLD OUT! Don’t worry Cleveland, a new order has already been placed and shelves at Psycle will be stocked soon.

Special thanks to all of those that participated as a rider or as a sponsor, especially everyone at Psycle! The day would not have been the same without the energy and excitement that their staff brought to the event. Even though it was the Hunger Network’s first time putting on Spin for Din this year, it was such a big success that we hope it will continue to be one of our featured events in years to come.

Check out more photos HERE

To make a donation to the Hunger Network, visit us at HungerNetwork.org 

The Gardens that Keep Giving

Featured blog from the desk of Judy Jones, Development Director

Recently, Andy the Apple told me about our Garden of Giving program, and suggested I visit some of the gardens hosted by our Hunger Network sites.  And so I found my way (with the able assistance of a patient colleague) to the Parma Lutheran Church Community Garden.  The church is one of our main food pantry sites and is blessed to have volunteers who toil long hours in the garden so that Hunger Network clients can have better access to fresh produce.

And what I found was amazing! Garden plots that were being harvested only for Hunger Network clients - and also garden plots that were generated by private individuals, but whose generosity extends to donating at least 10% - and usually more – of their product to the hungry.

Parma Lutheran Church established their community garden in 2011, and today boasts 24 leased plots and four dedicated Hunger Center plots.  Last summer, an amazing 1,476 pounds of produce was harvested specifically for use at the Hunger Center, helping to feed the over 14,000 people who came to the Center in need of food.

In addition to tomatoes, the Parma Lutheran community garden also harvests peppers, green beans, lettuce, kale, radishes, eggplant and more – and this year have added potatoes to the mix.  In just three short summers, the garden’s donations top 3,100 pounds- saving the Center thousands of dollars and providing farm fresh nutritious produce to the hungry in the community.

I was awed to see that not only does the Parma Lutheran garden grow their own produce but they also are very eco-conscious, with a dedicated system of collecting water through rain barrels and compost bins to encourage the recycling of healthy plant waste.

The Parma site is just one of at least six community gardens hosted by a Hunger Network partner providing fresh produce to a Hunger Network food site.  Other gardens include Lakewood Community Service, South East Clergy Hunger Center, Redeemer IHC Crisis Center, Bountiful Basement and Garden Valley.  Additionally, Andy the Apple tells me that there are many more area gardens that operate in conjunction with the OSU Extension Center which donate much of their produce to our hunger sites.

Bridging the gap between hunger and health is what the Hunger Network is all about, so with the Gardens of Giving program we can continue to offer fresh produce to the food-insecure people of our community, helping to ensure that not only do they have food to eat, but that they have access to healthy, nutritious food. A big thank you to our Community Garden partners for helping to make this possible!

Spin for Din: Help Feed Cleveland’s Hungry Families

I’m always up for something new, especially healthy activities! Next weekend the Hunger Network invites you to join us for “Spin for Din” presented by Psycle, hosted at Crocker Park...two of our amazing Cleveland neighbors!

Sunday, August 24th marks the first-ever “Spin for Din” – an awesome outdoor cycling experience for traditionally indoor cyclists! The team from Psycle will use their muscles, along with Zippy Shell’s convenient portable storage containers, to relocate all of the indoor cycling bikes to host an all day ride at Paradigm Theater within Crocker Park.

There will be 4 separate rides led by a team of experienced and enthusiastic instructors cycling to popular tunes provided by CLE Music Group’s live DJs. Other event supporters include: Brueggers Bagels, Nooma, Fresh Brewed Tees and more! It is sure to be an afternoon of fun in the sun as Clevelanders gather to raise their heart rates for good health and raise funds for the Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland!

Funds raised at “Spin for Din” will enable the Hunger Network to continue providing food and linkages to vital services for the 60,000 hungry neighbors monthly.  Did you know that 1 out of 5 children go to bed hungry every night?  It is sad, but true, and at times like these when resources are low and funds are being stretched. Fundraising events such as “Spin for Din” are crucial as we strive to continue providing these services within our community. Every $1 raised will provide 4 meals to a hungry neighbor!

Psycle’s motto is “Rock. Ride. Love.” Next week, Psycle will ROCK your world with a one-of-a-kind RIDE in the name of LOVE for our Cleveland community. You won’t want to miss it!

Rock with us, ride with us…sign up today HERE!

Andy Meets the Interns

This summer, the Hunger Network has welcomed 4 new faces to our family! Although temporary, the Network is still so excited and grateful for their hard work and dedication. I had the opportunity to sit down and chat with each one, and I am excited to introduce you to them!

[Above: Hanging out with interns Juliana, Leah and Lauren!]

Leah Backo joins the Development Department! A Bedford resident, Leah is a recent graduate from the University of Michigan where she obtained her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art & Design with a minor in Community Action & Social Change. Upon graduating, she moved back to her hometown in hopes that she could utilize her creative abilities to help those in need.  She taught art workshops in a juvenile facility in Michigan for a semester as well as in Ghana for a summer.  In her role as Summer Development Intern, she will assist the HNGC with the organization’s special events and hopes to pursue a career at a Cleveland nonprofit working on events and marketing one day soon. In the future, Leah plans to obtain a Master’s degree in either Social Work or Nonprofit Management.  

Our newest Stay Well Intern is Lauren Torkar of Chardon, OH. Lauren recently graduated from Kent State University where she studied Public Health Education and Promotion. Lauren has always been driven to help others and has volunteered for many organizations including Women’s Safe, Habitat for Humanity, Chardon Lions Club, The Red Cross and various churches. Lauren chose to pursue an internship with the HNGC to have an opportunity to help people in the community while being a part of a successful and growing organization. When asked what she most looked forward to doing while with us she responded “I believe that people who continuously give back to others are the most lively and thriving in life, so I feel this will be a great learning and growing experience for me.” Upon finishing her internship, Lauren plans to either pursue a career in the field of health education and promotion or continue on to graduate school to earn a Master’s Degree in Public Health.

As the HNGC’s Stay Well Project grows into year #3, so does their team of dedicated interns! Juliana Fishleigh joins the Network as our first-ever Dietetics Intern! She is currently an undergraduate student at Cleveland State University and is majoring in Health Science. Juliana found this opportunity as a “perfect fit” for her, as she hopes to be a full-time nutritionist upon graduation from college this December. In her second month at the Hunger Network, she has found her experience to be exciting and educational already. She receives guidance from resident dietitians and food scientists about what dietary issues relate to our monthly topics and how to best use that information to implement various demonstrations, complete with recipes and cost guides. 

Last, but certainly not least is Sonia Nagpaul! Sonia joins the Network as the Summer Program Intern. She lives in Lyndhurst and is currently a senior at Cleveland State University studying Human Resources and Communications. She chose the Hunger Network to gain some experience in the business side of an organization but she has also enjoyed volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House and Montefiore Nursing Home. Her duties in the Program Department include compiling and inputting data from client surveys and assisting with the scheduling of product delivery.  She hopes to gain a job in Human Resources with a Cleveland-area company upon graduation.

The next few months are sure to be extra exciting with all of our extra helping hands!

The People Who Call Out To Us

Featured blog from the desk of Judy Jones, Development Director

Who are the faces in our community who worry about their next meal?  As the new Development Director at the Hunger Network, I have had the pleasure of visiting several of our Hunger Centers in the past few weeks, and meeting some of our clients.

They are people like Daisy Berrios and her family.  Daisy, her husband and their three children arrived in Cleveland just over a year ago from Puerto Rico. Shortly after settling into their new home, her husband was laid off from his job.  With only SSI and food stamps for income – and with a child who has severe food allergies – Daisy was worried about how she was going to provide healthy, nutritious meals for her family.  Through her church, she found out about the Hunger Network’s food pantry and Stay Well program at the Redeemer ICH Crisis Center.  There she was able to receive enough food for several meals – enough to get them through to the next Food Stamp cycle. And she was able to learn about healthy eating through the Stay Well program. Now that her husband is back to work part time, she is more confident about the future – and slightly less worried about food for her family.

They are people like 59-year old Larry, who is single with no family in the area and currently unemployed.  Larry’s health issues have been of major concern to him and he worries about how he can afford to eat healthy to improve his health.  He now comes to the Hunger Network’s University Settlement food pantry to receive a large bag of groceries, which includes fresh produce, and also receives a hot lunchtime meal.  He has found a new network of caring friends and looks forward to his time visiting University Settlement.

And they are children like 9-year old Kerri.  Kerri shouldn’t have to worry about where her next meal comes from, but she does.  Especially in the summer months when she does not attend school. She lives with her grandmother and two other family members and knows that food is in short supply.  Luckily, her grandmother knows a friend who volunteers at WSEM Community Corner who told her about the food pantry.  The family now receives nutritious food, including fresh fruit and produce, at the Hunger Center  - and are finding out about other available resources.  Kerri is more confident now – and is looking forward to the last few weeks of summer.

Meeting these people and hearing their stories inspires me to want to do more.  I hope that my brief glimpse into their lives helps you make up your mind to do a little more too!  Together, we can make a difference in the lives of Kerri, Larry and Daisy’s family – and the more than 60,000 other people who come monthly to one of our centers.

Please consider making a financial donation to help us bridge the gap between hunger and food!  Please click on the “donate” button on our website and look for the annual campaign link. Together, we can help a child worry less about his or her next meal – and instead concentrate on having fun!

For more ways to help the Hunger Network, or for a list of our Hunger Centers and updates about our programs, visit our website at HungerNetwork.org.

Remember, just one dollar provides four meals at a Hunger Network site.  You do make a difference!

First Day on the Job

Featured blog from the desk of Leah Backo, Development Intern

I had originally prepared for my position as the Development Intern for the Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland by pouring over the organization’s website as well as reading and watching news articles and other forms of publicity featured on the site or on good old fashioned Google search. But despite my excessive research, I still came across many surprises and discoveries during my first day on the job.

I arrived at 8 AM at the Hunger Network’s downtown office with the understanding that I’d spend the majority of my first day visiting a few of the over 100 local food pantries that the Network supports to help gather stories and images of those that utilize the Hunger Network’s sites on a daily basis. I had no idea, however, that these facilities provide much more than food.

At the first site, Redeemer, for example, there is not only a pantry and a hot meal program but also a day-camp-like program for children in the summertime. The program allows local kids to not only be supervised and entertained but also to be educated about healthy lifestyles. While programs like these are funded by sources other than the Hunger Network, their location is often the same as many of the Hunger Network’s web of pantries in Cuyahoga County. When we arrived, we found the children were given healthy breakfasts and were then engaged in a variety of activities including drawing and play-dough, singing and dancing, and finally watching a presentation about proper dental care from a team of dental students. In addition to programs for children, many facilities also house programs and entertainment for senior citizens. In the last facility I visited, a group of seniors were playing cards and games, making jewelry, and playing pool while they waited for a hot meal to be prepared for them to eat. While the Hunger Network does not directly fund this particular activity center and meal, they do fund the food pantry located in the center, making the facilities a place where people can not only receive food but also interact with other locals and have a sense of community.

In addition to being a gathering place for locals of all ages and providing food for those in need, some of the centers also provide clothing, either free or for a very low price, to not only clothe those who need it but also to provide a sense of dignity and self-worth.  Many facilities also offer informational pamphlets and packets about healthy living, budgeting, job hunting, and other topics that might be of interest to those of low income.

While I was impressed with all of the programs and activities offered at various Hunger Network sites, (even those activities which are not directly funded by the HNGC), I was most impressed with the centers’ commitment to providing nutritional food. I was happy to see that much of the produce and fresh items being given out actually appeared fresh and by no means second hand. I got to meet and talk to many of the people who utilize the Hunger Network’s facilities. I also got to chat with the facilities’ workers, most of whom were overwhelmingly passionate about helping people, loved the work that they did, and had hearts that just seemed to radiate goodness. I think that aspect of my first day is something that I will always take with me¬— seeing the diverse set of people the Hunger Network touches.

The Summer-Time Meal Crisis

Featured blog from the desk of Judy Jones, Development Director.

What happens in the summertime to children who receive free or reduced-price school meals during the school year? Nationally, parents report that family food expenses increase by more than $300 per month when kids are not in school. For many low-income families, there simply isn't enough stretch in the family budget to accommodate the increase.

Nelly, 17, a Cleveland area teen, knows first-hand about being hungry. She lives with her grandmother and her uncle, but has come to rely on a Hunger Network center for food when she’s not in school after her grandmother had a heart attack and had to give up her job. Her uncle works odd jobs but cannot find consistent work. Since coming to the Hunger Network center, Nelly not only receives lunch every day but has also started volunteering in other center programs. She will tell you, however, that the most important things she has received from the center are the bread, vegetables and general grocery assistance she brings home.

Nationally, the numbers are staggering. According to the latest USDA data, 15.8 million (21.6%) children lived in households facing a constant struggle against hunger. Of those children, less than 3 million received summer meals in 2013. In fact, in 2012 Cuyahoga County had the greatest number of food-insecure residents, with 212,449 adults and 129,680 children living with food insecurity. (''Food insecure'' is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's description of when consistent access to adequate food is limited by a lack of money and other resources at times during the year.) The ''Hunger Doesn't Take a Vacation'' study by the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) reveals that many of the more than one in four children in Ohio living in ''food insecure'' households do not have access to adequate nutrition, especially during the summer months.

Most of these children, unlike Nelly, do not live in walking distance of a center that provides summer meals. Instead of having fun, these children worry about where their next meal is coming from. 

They are children like Arianna. Before this year, 10-year old Arianna had never worried about food. Her mom and dad both worked regular jobs and there was always hot food on the table for dinner. Her mom made breakfast every day and then there was lunch at school. But this year, Arianna’s world crashed. Her mother died unexpectedly and her father lost his job. Arianna found herself eating both breakfast and lunch at school – and rarely had a hot dinner at home. But at least she wasn't hungry. And she knew that when summer came, she would be outside playing with her friends. But she didn't expect to suffer from hunger. Her father struggled with his new role as a single parent – and was ashamed to ask for help. Without access to school breakfasts and lunches, Arianna found herself at home alone more often than not, without any food in the house. Until her father found out about the Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland and their system of food pantries and hot meals, Arianna worried about both herself and her father. 

The Hunger Network has been helping families like Arianna’s and Nelly’s every day in every neighborhood of Cleveland and in suburbs like Middleburg Heights and Richmond Heights since 1978. Through our 100 pantries and hot meal programs, operated by over 1,100 caring volunteers, the Hunger Network distributes groceries and meals to more than 60,000 people a month – and shockingly, 25,000 of those people are children like Arianna.

The Hunger Network relies on the generosity of people like you in order to operate. We leverage federal, state and government resources along with support from individuals, companies, churches and others in order to get 4-5 balanced meals for each dollar spent. Imagine – providing 4 meals for just $1.00!

But more needs to be done. Not every Hunger Network center can afford to provide summer meals. And there is no doubt that the need far surpasses available resources during the summer months and throughout the year.

Together, we can make a difference in a child’s life this summer. Please consider making a financial donation to help us bridge the gap between hunger and food! Please click on the “donate” button on our website and look for the annual campaign link. Together, we can help a child worry less about his or her next meal – and instead concentrate on having fun!

HungerNetwork.org

Favorite Spring Memories!

Hard to believe that this Spring is coming to an end! It was a jam-packed with exciting events for Hunger Network clients, volunteers and supporters. With summer coming this week, it's nice to reflect on my favorite memories over the past few months.

Volunteer Recognition Luncheon - mid-March we celebrated our volunteers, the heart-and-soul of this organization. It was a western-themed luncheon honoring over 120 hunger center managers and dedicated volunteers. The group gathered at Bethany Christian Church for a delicious barbecue lunch and games. Greeted by Hunger Network Board President, Michael Teichman, the gathering celebrated their support and tireless effort of our volunteers. With over 100 hunger centers throughout Cuyahoga County, we have a massive operation of over 1,100 devoted volunteers that together donated over 568,000 hours of work in 2013.  These wonderful supporters allow the Hunger Network to live our mission on a daily basis and we cannot say 'thank you' enough....but we try!

Kids Fun Day at the IX Center - by the end of March we were off to the IX-Center for a day devoted to fun, thanks to Marc's! Over 150 clients from 7 of the Hunger Network sites were invited to the IX Center in Cleveland - the home of endless smiles. Lunch, snacks, rides and prizes...an awesome day by very generous HNGC supporters, everyone at the Hunger Network is so thankful to Marc's and the IX Center for providing a carefree, fun day to these children.

Walk for Hunger - it was our 26th year and what a year it was! We once again walked to raise funds and awareness for our mission through the streets of Downtown Cleveland. On Saturday, May 10th nearly 1,400 dedicated Clevelanders united to walk to end hunger in our community. Together, we raised $140,000 to help feed the growing need...we had such a great time that we are already looking forward to next year's event! Mark your calendars now and don't miss out on Saturday, May 9th 2015!!

Celebrity Volunteer at Community Corner - earlier this month, Alex Sheen, founder of the social movement and non-profit organization "because I said I would" volunteered here at the Hunger Network! He selflessly volunteered at the Community Corner Food Center stocking products, packing bags of food, assisting clients to their cars and more! He was a wonderful addition to the team and would be welcomed back any day! More information on his organization can be found at www.becauseIsaidIwould.com

Among all of these exciting events this Spring, we welcomed a new member to our team here at the Hunger Network! Judy Jones is our new Development Director, upon the retirement of Sandra Ralston. We welcome Judy and look forward to working with her as we strive to feed the growing need.

26th Annual Walk for Hunger

We are just about 2 weeks away from the 26th Annual Walk for Hunger which means it's go time! I'm dusting off my walkin' shoes, the teams are fundraising and all logistics are being finalized. This year is shaping up to be quite an exciting one with all my favorites will be there....will you?!

We will be kicking-off the the Walk for Hunger at 9:30AM sharp at Burke Lakefront Airport with our hosts Reporter Ed Gallek and Meteorologist Jeff Tanchak from 19 Action News. Day of Registration for teams and individuals begins at 8:45AM that morning. Make sure you arrive in plenty of time to turn in final donations, pick-up your Walk t-shirt and say 'HI' to me and my friends! In addition to Ed & Jeff, Moondog from the Cleveland Cavaliers, Sully from the Lake Erie Monsters and Ernie the Keebler Elf will be there to greet walkers! After our warm up with Jazzercise Judy, we will step off to head through downtown at 10:00AM. Check out the pictures I took of my stroll on the route this weekend - it was beautiful with many exciting hot spots in the CLE! Lots of great scenery - both old and new! Remember everyone is invited so bring your family, friends, kids and dogs to enjoy a leisurely, non-competitive walk through our city.

After we've made our way through the city, we'll cross over the Finish Line at Voinovich Park and head into our After Party Family Social! Lunch will be provided from Mr. Hero, a kids craft tent sponsored by PatCatan's and even live music. New this year, we'll be handing out seed packets to everyone crossing the Finish Line. After all. we  want to thank everyone who shares in our commitment to PLANTING THE SEED TO STOP HUNGER!

Hard to believe that the 26th Annual Walk for Hunger will be here so quickly on Saturday, May 10th - so, don't miss out and sign up today at HungerNetwork.org! We hope that our supporters can unite to raise funds and awareness for our mission. Be part of the movement by committing to help feed the growing need in our Cleveland community.

See photos from 2013's Walk for Hunger here!

Help BLACKOUT Hunger!

Tomorrow afternoon we are going to BLACK OUT HUNGER with the CSU Viking - join us! I'll be heading to the Wolstein Center for the 2:00PM game as the Cleveland State University Vikings take on the Valparaiso University Crusaders for an awesome annual rivalry.

I'll be at the game early, along with some wonderful volunteers accepting non-perishable, canned foods items for our hunger centers. With a donation of 5 items, guests will receive a discounted ticket into the men's basketball game! But, don't be late - the first 2,000 fans will receive official BLACK OUT t-shirts...who doesn't love a free t-shirt?!

And, there's more! Are you a CSU season ticket holder? If so, bring canned food items to the game and receive a 30% off coupon for the book store. Now is the time to stock up on new Viking swag!!

We are so grateful to the Cleveland State Athletics Team for their support and efforts in planning this awesome event. We cannot wait for tomorrow's game to partner with the Vikings as we collect food and raise awareness for our mission! Please join us, Cleveland!!

Thank You December Supporters!

What a wonderful December it was! The Hunger Network has been so blessed to have gracious supporters like all of you....we've been busy, but busy is good when it means funds are being raised and food is being donated.

Crocker Park in Westlake hosted a 4-week food drive to benefit the Hunger Network! Located in their hoilday-themed Toy Train Town, volunteers accepted donations of non-perishable food items, hygiene products and monetary donations Saturday afternoons. As an appreciation of their support, donors received tickets to an exciting Cleveland sporting event! Donations were distributed to 4 selected hunger centers within the Network. We are so grateful for the sponsors of this food drive, including: Crocker Park, Fox 8, Q104's Fee's Company, Cleveland Gladiators, Lake Erie Monsters and our wonderful volunteers from Majestic Steel USA.

Other exciting events and drives included a golf outing, concert and sale!
-The 14th Annual Turkey Trot hosted on Thanksgiving morning at Canterbury Golf Club - it was a record breaking year in many ways. Not only was it the snowiest Turkey Open yet, but also the largest turn out AND most money raised! Over $6,000 - thank you to Board Member, David Weiner and Benesch Law who served as our gracious hosts.

-WJCU, 87.7 hosted the 9th Annual Blizzard Bash at Happy Dog in Tremont - a fun-filled evening of great music by local bands all for a good cause. They also broke a record with most money raised reaching $3,000 for the Hunger Network.
-"Brie for the Holidays" - another generous fundraiser for the HNGC, donated by caterer Sue Stewart and friends. Fancy wheels of brie were available for purchase by donation made to one of two identified non-profits. This year, the Hunger Network was selected and gratefully received over $3,000 for the project.

There are more wonderful stories of bountiful donations from loyal donors...such as Nordstrom's massive food drive, the team at Bike Cleveland who hosted Cranksgiving, and the Winter Warm Up team at Cumulus Entertainment.
We simply wanted to share a few, and most importantly THANK YOU for all you have done to support the Hunger Network in 2013. Whether isn't participating in the Walk for Hunger, attending a party or making a generous donation, such as the ones listed above, we could not continue to be successful without your support. 60,000 Greater Clevelanders received food each month because of supporters like you!