United Way of Lake County Distributes $20,000 in Food Today in Response to Health Crisis
March 18, 2020 – Mentor, OH – Due to the current health crisis, United Way of Lake County (UWLC) distributed $20,000 worth of food to 40 Lake County food pantries Wednesday, March 18, 2020.
The food distribution took place at the former Saint Andrew Byzantine Catholic Church at 5768 Andrews Road in Mentor-on-the-Lake. The food pantries arrived to pick up food in 15-minute increments starting at 9 am and ending at 3:30 pm.
The organization’s first food distribution of the year normally follows the end of their Feed Lake County food drive and fundraiser in May. UWLC made the decision to implement an emergency food distribution in response to the anticipated need within the community. The organization held a phone conference to convene with all of its agency partners this morning to share information and learn the needs and challenges each are facing.
“A main topic of discussion with our agency partners and food banks has been the need for food. An influx in need is expected due to children who are home from school, mass layoffs and the need to ensure our high-risk elderly are being cared for and fed,” said Jennifer McCarty, UWLC President and CEO.
The organization’s food distribution consisted of the most requested items by the local food pantries. This included canned chicken, pasta sauce, chicken noodle soup, peanut butter, jelly, canned fruit, Jiffy baking mix, syrup and apple juice.
UWLC is in the midst of their 28th annual Feed Lake County food drive. Instead of requesting food donations, the organization has switched gears and is now making a plea for monetary donations. According to McCarty, “We benefit from economies of scale when making food purchases to help restock the food pantries. Every ten dollars donated is enough to provide 40 meals.”
Gifts can be made online at uwlc.org/give and checks, made payable to United Way of Lake County, can be mailed to 9285 Progress Parkway, Mentor, OH 44094.