United Way of Lake County Puts Over $88,000 of Food into Community this Year with Over $40,000 Distributed June 11, 2025
June 11, 2025 – Mentor, OH – United Way of Lake County (UWLC) distributed over $40,000 in food to 37 Lake County food pantries on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. Year-to-date, they have put a total of over $88,000 in food into the community.
An astounding 36% of Lake County residents struggle to stay afloat and afford basic needs such as food and housing.
The organization’s spring Feed Lake County Food Drive & Fundraiser raised $50,269 in funds, $25,000 of which was donated by Buyers Products Company in Mentor. The organization matched all cash donations up to a total of $25,000. Funds were also allocated to the organization’s Feed Lake County initiative this past winter from the Jerome T. Osborne and Georgeanne S. Osborne Charitable Trust. The remaining funds will be used to help replenish the food pantries later in the year.
Beyond this, the Feed Lake County Food Drive & Fundraiser also generated more than $48,000 worth of food, much of which has already been distributed to local food banks through UWLC’s year-round food pantry shopping program. Established last year, the on-site pantry allows nearly 40 local food pantries to shop as needed throughout the year from food donated to the organization.
Donor standouts from UWLC’s spring food drive include Component Repair Technologies, who donated 8,532 lbs. of food; Marous Brothers Construction, who donated 5,500 lbs. of food; and PCC Airfoils who donated 5,116 lbs. of food.
Volunteers from STERIS were on-hand with pallet jack trucks to help unload the food from the delivery truck and sort the food into groups for the pantries. UWLC staff members loaded the vehicles and distributed the food as part of a coordinated staff service initiative that reflects the organization’s commitment to hands-on community support.
The food items purchased by United Way of Lake County were selected based on direct input from the nearly 40 local food pantries that participate in its quarterly Food Coalition meetings. This includes chunk white chicken, tuna, beef ravioli, spaghetti, spaghetti sauce, peanut butter, jelly, pancake mix, syrup, cereal, and apple juice.
“Feed Lake County is a true community effort. It’s a reflection of what’s possible when local businesses, volunteers, and residents come together to care for one another.”
DeMitro added, “What makes this effort meaningful is that every dollar and donation directly impacts our neighbors,” said UWLC President & CEO Dione DeMitro. “The need for food isn’t seasonal—it’s year-round. That’s why we established our on-site food pantry last year and encourage year-round food donations to help keep shelves stocked for when our pantries need it most.”
Those in a position to donate are asked to visit uwlc.org/give to make a gift. Checks payable to United Way of Lake County can also be mailed to them at 9285 Progress Parkway, Mentor, OH 44060. Attention: FLC.
If you are able to donate food or are interested in running a food drive, please contact David Whittaker at dwhittaker@uwlc.org or call 440.639.1203.