Cleveland Clinic Commits $50 Million to Combat Hunger in Ohio

Cleveland Clinic has announced a significant initiative to address hunger in Ohio, Florida, and Nevada, pledging $50 million over five years. This funding aims to bolster local food banks and community organizations that provide essential food resources to families in need. The health system’s support will extend to the Greater Cleveland Food Bank and various food pantries and markets across Northeast Ohio, Florida, and Las Vegas, where the Clinic operates.

“We are profoundly grateful to the Cleveland Clinic for this extraordinary investment in our community,” said Kristin Warzocha, CEO of the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. She emphasized that the ongoing need among families is substantial and highlighted the importance of this commitment, especially in tackling childhood hunger. Warzocha noted that this initiative sends a powerful message about the critical link between community health and access to nutritious food.

The Cleveland Clinic’s commitment is designed to provide stability for community organizations, allowing them to plan more effectively and expand their services. “As an anchor institution, Cleveland Clinic has a duty to reinvest in the communities we serve,” stated Dr. Tom Mihaljevic, CEO of Cleveland Clinic. He expressed that addressing hunger is vital for enhancing overall health and fostering stronger, healthier communities for future generations.

Food insecurity continues to be a pressing issue across the United States. According to a 2024 federal report, approximately 47 million Americans live in food insecure households, including nearly 14 million children. This latest pledge builds on Cleveland Clinic’s previous efforts to combat hunger, which included a $2 million contribution to local food banks in 2025 and an investment of $10.4 million in 2023 to promote innovative food-access initiatives.

The Clinic has implemented various programs aimed at addressing food insecurity. These include a teaching kitchen, summer and weekend meal programs for children, food vouchers, grocery delivery services, free produce from local farms, and food pantries available to qualifying patients. Each of these initiatives is designed to ensure that vulnerable populations have access to nutritious food, thereby improving their health and well-being.

As Cleveland Clinic embarks on this ambitious plan, the health system aims to create a lasting impact on food security in the regions it serves. The commitment reflects a broader understanding that health does not solely stem from medical care but is closely tied to the availability of healthy food options. By investing in local food resources, Cleveland Clinic is taking a proactive stance in fostering community health and resilience.