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Frequently Asked Questions
 Thanks for your interest in Cleveland Foodbank. Have a question about the Foodbank and how we work? Check out our frequently asked questions below.
The Foodbank's Work
What is the mission of the Foodbank?
Working together to ensure that everyone in our communities has the nutritious food they need everyday.
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What does the Foodbank do?
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The Foodbank solicits donated food and nonfood products from food manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and community groups and distributes it to more than 650 hunger programs that serve the needy in Northeast Ohio. About 84% of the food served at local pantries is provided by the Cleveland Foodbank. We serve the following counties: Ashtabula, Ashland, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake and Richland.
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Where does the food you distribute come from?
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Approximately 400 local organizations donate food to the Foodbank each year, including manufacturers, grocery store chains and other organizations.
The Foodbank also receives donations from food wholesalers, distributors, Feeding America, local food drives, restaurants, caterers and other sources, such as the United States Department of Agriculture and the Ohio Food Purchase Program.
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How many agencies do you serve?
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In 2012, the Cleveland Foodbank distributed food and essential non-food products to nearly 700 member hunger programs in six counties.
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Northeast Ohio's hungry include children, the working poor, the unemployed, the elderly, the homeless and the chronically ill.
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Is there a fee associated with the food distributed by the Cleveland Foodbank?
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Agencies are charged a "shared maintenance fee" for some of the items they order. Some items, such as produce, bread, yogurt are distributed to member agencies for free. Other nonperishable food items cost up to 9 cents per pound. This shared maintenance fee covers some, but not all, of the costs associated with food solicitation, repackaging and distribution. We must recoup the additional expenses through our fundraising efforts.
As an example, a member agency can get a box of cereal at the Foodbank for about 9 cents. If they were to purchase a box of cereal at a supermarket, they could pay $3.50 or more for the same item.
No fee is ever charged to hungry families.
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What is the relationship between the Cleveland Foodbank and other Northeast Ohio hunger relief organizations?
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The Foodbank works closely with other Northeast Ohio hunger relief organizations, providing food and nonfood products to hunger centers administered by the Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland, the Catholic Hunger and Shelter Network, and the Salvation Army, among others. The Foodbank was a founding member of the Greater Cleveland Committee on Hunger, and distributes all the food collected in Cuyahoga County during the annual Harvest for Hunger campaign.
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Supporting the Foodbank
I'd like to make a donation. Where can I drop it off?
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Food donations can be dropped off at the Cleveland Foodbank, 15500 South Waterloo Road, during normal business hours - Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Please call ahead to schedule your delivery.
Financial contributions are also needed. Every dollar contributed to the Cleveland Foodbank helps them distribute four meals to hungry people in our community. You may mail donations to the address listed above. You can also donate online.
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Where do I mail my check?
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Please mail financial contributions to the Cleveland Foodbank, 15500 South Waterloo Road, Cleveland, OH 44110. Your donation is tax-deductible as provided by law.
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Volunteering at the Foodbank
What do volunteers do at the Foodbank?
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Volunteers are needed to sort and repack food donations, assist with office work, serve on committees, and help with special events.
Learn more about volunteering.
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May I bring my family to volunteer?
Do I need to call ahead to volunteer or can I just show up?
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It is very important that you contact the volunteer services manager at 216.738.2053 ahead of time to schedule your visit. This way, a project will be ready for you when you arrive at the Foodbank. Please also note that many evening and Saturday volunteer shifts are filled in advance.
Learn more about volunteering.
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What hours are available for volunteers to help?
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We have a variety of volunteer shifts. Please call us at 216.738.2265.
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Additional Details
Where are you located?
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We are located at 15500 South Waterloo Road, Cleveland, OH 44110
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Who can I contact to answer my other questions?
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Please call us at 216.738.2265.
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