Cleveland Clinic Commits $50 Million to Combat Hunger in Ohio

Cleveland Clinic has announced a substantial commitment of $50 million over the next five years to tackle hunger in Ohio, Florida, and Nevada. This investment aims to bolster local food banks and community organizations dedicated to providing food assistance to individuals and families facing food insecurity.

The funding will specifically benefit the Greater Cleveland Food Bank and extend to food banks, pantries, and markets across Northeast Ohio, Florida, and Las Vegas, Nevada—areas where Cleveland Clinic operates facilities. “We are profoundly grateful to the Cleveland Clinic for this extraordinary investment in our community,” stated Kristin Warzocha, CEO of the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. She emphasized that the ongoing need for food assistance remains critical, particularly for children, marking this commitment as a powerful statement on the importance of nutritious food access for overall community health.

Long-term Commitment to Community Health

Cleveland Clinic’s pledge is designed to provide stability for community organizations, allowing them to strategize and expand their initiatives. “As an anchor institution, Cleveland Clinic has a duty to reinvest in the communities we serve,” said Dr. Tom Mihaljevic, CEO of Cleveland Clinic. He added that the initiative is a reflection of the organization’s belief that addressing hunger is vital for enhancing public health and fostering stronger communities for future generations.

The challenge of food insecurity is significant across the United States. According to a federal report from 2024, approximately 47 million Americans, including nearly 14 million children, live in food-insecure households as of 2023. This latest commitment builds on Cleveland Clinic’s previous efforts, which included a $2 million contribution to local food banks in 2025 and an investment of $10.4 million in 2023 to support innovative food-access initiatives.

In addition to financial support, Cleveland Clinic has implemented various programs aimed at addressing hunger. These initiatives include a teaching kitchen, summer and weekend meal programs for children, food vouchers, grocery delivery services, and partnerships with local farms to provide free produce. The Clinic also operates food pantries designed to assist qualified patients, further expanding its reach in combating food insecurity.

As Cleveland Clinic takes this significant step to address hunger, its commitment highlights the interconnectedness of health and access to nutritious food. By supporting local organizations, the Clinic is not only addressing immediate needs but is also fostering a framework for long-term community health and resilience.