The funds will be distributed among several organizations, with a significant portion provided to the Greater Cleveland Food Bank—one of the area’s largest food distribution networks—and additional grants directed to community outreach programs across Northeast Ohio. The initiative aims to meet growing needs as rising food costs continue to strain household budgets.
“Hunger is a health issue,” said Dr. Tom Mihaljevic, Cleveland Clinic’s CEO and president, in a statement released Wednesday. “Access to nutritious food is essential to wellness and recovery, yet far too many families in our community struggle to put meals on the table. This contribution is one way we can support their well-being beyond hospital walls.”
Expanding Support During a Critical Season
Cleveland Clinic’s donation comes at a pivotal time. The Greater Cleveland Food Bank has reported a sharp increase in demand, distributing more than 70 million pounds of food annually—nearly double the amount from a decade ago. With inflation driving up grocery prices and pandemic-era assistance programs expiring, the need has grown even more urgent.
Kristin Warzocha, president and CEO of the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, welcomed the donation, calling it a “lifeline for the holidays.” She noted that funds from the clinic will help sustain emergency food distributions and support new mobile pantries in neighborhoods where food access remains limited.
“The generosity of community partners like the Cleveland Clinic helps us reach families who would otherwise go without,” Warzocha said. “This support ensures that more children, seniors, and families receive healthy meals during a time when demand is at its highest.”
A Broader View of Health
The initiative aligns with Cleveland Clinic’s community health strategy, which prioritizes social determinants of health—factors like housing, education, and food access that have profound effects on long-term wellness.
Hospital officials said that $2 million will be directed not only to food banks but also to smaller local agencies that provide nutrition education, meal programs for seniors, and emergency groceries for patients discharged from care who face food insecurity.
“Addressing hunger goes hand in hand with addressing chronic disease,” said Dr. Anita Shelgikar, director of community health initiatives at Cleveland Clinic. “When families have consistent access to healthy food, they’re less likely to experience complications from diabetes, hypertension, and other conditions we see every day.”
Community Collaboration
City leaders praised the announcement as another example of the region’s power to collaborate in addressing systemic challenges. Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb said the donation demonstrates what can happen when the medical, nonprofit, and public sectors work together.
“Hunger relief is not just about charity—it’s about equity,” Bibb said. “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to ensuring that no one in Cleveland faces the holidays hungry.”
As volunteers at the Greater Cleveland Food Bank gear up for the busy holiday season, the $2 million contribution is expected to have an immediate impact, providing hundreds of thousands of meals to individuals and families across Northeast Ohio.
For Cleveland Clinic, leaders say this initiative represents more than philanthropy. It is an extension of the institution’s core mission—to promote health and healing in every part of the community.