New Fundraiser Helps Feed Your Neighbors In-Need In Lake County

MENTOR, OH — The 30th annual Feed Lake County Fundraiser kicked-off Tuesday.

The fundraiser will run through May, with the United Way of Lake County (UWLC) reaching out to both residents and Lake County organizations for help. More than 30 percent of Lake County households struggle to afford basic needs, according to the latest United Way survey. Of those, 23 percent are considered "working poor," while 8 percent live in poverty.

However, much of the United Way survey was based on data from 2019, meaning the number of working poor or in-need residents could have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from Feeding America now suggests nearly 15 percent of all children in Lake County struggle to find their next meal.

“The number of people we serve is on the rise due to inflation. We typically help about fifty families but are currently serving seventy. We are seeing new faces from people who have never reached out before," said Ernestine Jones, who works at the St. John Baptist Church food pantry in Painesville.

This year's Feed Lake County Fundraiser comes amid the 100th anniversary of the United Way of Lake County.

“United Way of Lake County has provided much needed support to local families over the past century. I am proud to be serving our community during this time of great need and ask that you join me and UWLC in the fight against hunger," said Ben Capelle, CEO of Laketran and UWLC campaign chair.

How To Support the Fundraiser

• Donate online or by mailing a check payable to United Way of Lake County to 9285 Progress Parkway, Mentor, OH, 44060. Attention: FLC.
• Organize your own food drive or fundraiser. To sign up to participate in a food or fundraising drive, contact UWLC at 440.639.1203 or via email at dwhittaker@uwlc.org.
• Donate non-perishable food. To set-up a donation or pick-up, call 440-639-1203 or email dwhittaker@uwlc.org. Most needed items include canned meats like tuna, chicken, SPAM, and ham; peanut butter and jelly; pasta and pasta sauce; rice, boxed potatoes, mac ‘n cheese, dried beans; canned vegetables, beans and fruits; boxed and canned soups and entrees; cereal and breakfast bars; pancake mix and syrup; juice and water; and toilet paper and hygiene products. A complete list can be found on UWLC’s website at uwlc.org/feed-lake-county