United Way of Lake County Provides Critical Support at November 13 Emergency Food Distribution in Response to SNAP Disruption
(MENTOR, OH) November 14, 2025 — United Way of Lake County (UWLC) hosted an emergency pop-up food distribution on Thursday, November 13, in response to the recent disruption in SNAP benefits. The event took place from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at the RISE Commercial District, located at 7840 Tyler Blvd. in Mentor.
The distribution was free and open to anyone in need. Everyone that arrived received food, with volunteers loading items directly into vehicles. Thanks to the large number of volunteers on-hand, UWLC was able to serve every family and all individuals who attended.
This event marked UWLC’s first pop-up distribution specifically serving families and individuals in the community. The need has been especially urgent as the SNAP disruption continues to impact local households.
UWLC typically hosts multiple food distributions throughout the year to supply the 40 local food pantries the organization helps to support. UWLC also maintains a year-round food pantry where partner agencies can shop to re-stock their shelves to better serve their clients.
At Thursday’s distribution, UWLC provided 14,000 pounds of fresh produce and bread, along with more than $11,000 worth of shelf-stable items, including peanut butter and jelly, pasta and sauce, canned chicken and tuna, macaroni and cheese, oatmeal variety packs, boxed mashed potatoes, granola bars, and cereal.
The disruption in SNAP benefits has affected 17,141 Lake County recipients, including 6,200 children and 2,500 seniors. This comes at a time when 36% of Lake County residents struggle to afford basic needs such as food, housing, and medical care—25% of whom are working individuals who receive no government assistance. The reduction in SNAP support has significantly deepened food insecurity across the community.
“The gratitude we witnessed from families last night was overwhelming,” said Dione DeMitro, President & CEO of United Way of Lake County. “So many people shared stories with our team of volunteers—stories of struggling to make ends meet, of caring for children and aging parents, and of the fear and uncertainty caused by the sudden loss of SNAP benefits. We were humbled to offer support during such a difficult time.”
UWLC’s Hunger Coalition partners report seeing double and even triple the number of individuals and families seeking food assistance in recent weeks.
According to DeMitro, “This event would not have been possible without the incredible generosity of our volunteers, who showed up with compassion and worked tirelessly to serve every family that came through. We are also deeply grateful to the RISE Commercial District for making their facility and property available for our use, and to all of our partners who helped make the distribution possible. When our community comes together, we can make a tremendous difference for our neighbors in need.”
Contributing partners included the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, RISE Commercial District, Mentor Public Schools, All Contractors Supply, and Auburn Career Center.