Cleveland Clinic Commits $50 Million to Combat Hunger in Ohio

Cleveland Clinic has announced a significant commitment to combat hunger, pledging $50 million over five years to support local food banks and community organizations in Ohio, Florida, and Nevada. This initiative aims to address food insecurity in regions where the health system operates, particularly focusing on areas served by the Greater Cleveland Food Bank and other food assistance programs.

The funding will bolster food distribution efforts across Northeast Ohio, as well as in Florida and Las Vegas, Nevada. Kristin Warzocha, CEO of the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, expressed gratitude for the Clinic’s investment, stating, “The need among families remains high, and this remarkable commitment — especially to addressing childhood hunger — sends a powerful message that the health of our community begins with access to nutritious food.”

Investing in Community Stability

Cleveland Clinic’s long-term investment is structured to provide stability to community organizations, enabling them to plan for the future and expand their outreach programs. Dr. Tom Mihaljevic, CEO of Cleveland Clinic, emphasized the institution’s responsibility to reinvest in the communities it serves. “This commitment reflects our belief that addressing hunger is essential to improving overall health and creating stronger, healthier communities for generations to come,” he noted.

Food insecurity is a pressing issue in the United States, with recent data indicating that 47 million Americans live in food-insecure households in 2023, including nearly 14 million children, according to a 2024 federal report. This pledge from Cleveland Clinic builds upon its ongoing efforts to address hunger, which included a $2 million contribution to local food banks in 2025 and an investment of $10.4 million in 2023 to advance innovative food-access initiatives.

Programs Addressing Hunger

Cleveland Clinic has implemented several programs aimed at alleviating hunger. These include a teaching kitchen that educates participants on nutrition and cooking, summer and weekend meal programs for children, food vouchers, grocery delivery services, access to free produce from local farms, and food pantries designated for qualifying patients.

The Clinic’s commitment to addressing hunger not only aims to provide immediate assistance but also seeks to foster long-term improvements in community health. By enhancing food access, Cleveland Clinic reinforces its role as an anchor institution dedicated to the well-being of its communities.