Food

Food Assistance

SNAP Food Assistance (Food Stamps)
The food assistance program is for individuals, children and families with low income and no assets. Benefits are issued monthly through the Ohio Direction Card, or (Ohio EBT).

A felony conviction will not deny applicants from being eligible for food assistance.
Single men and women may apply for food assistance. It is not necessary to have children in the household.
As an example of potential eligibility; a single person with no children, under the age of 60, can make around $1,265 per month or $15,180 per year and still qualify. The income limit for those age 60 or older is slightly higher.
If you think you might be eligible, you should apply.
The maximum a one-person household may get is $200 a month. If you recently lost a job, you will be asked to also apply for unemployment compensation when you apply for Food Assistance. You will still get Food Assistance right away, but your income will be budgeted. If you are between the ages of 18 and 49, are not eligible for unemployment, do not work at least 20 hours per week, and you have no minor children in your home, you will need to participate in a work and training program in order to receive more than 3 months of Food Assistance. If you need help meeting the Food Assistance work requirement, you will be given a referral to a service coordination team for help with finding a work experience or job search program.

Cuyahoga County Job and Family Services
216-987-7000
1641 Payne Ave., Room 520
Cleveland, OH 44114
You can walk into any office to pick up an application or call to request that one be mailed to you. You may also apply online through the following website: ODJFSBenefits.ohio.gov (you will need to have an e-mail account).

If you currently have no income or savings, you may qualify for expedited processing. Expedited processing allows you get food assistance right away while you work on gathering any verification that may be needed.

WIC (Women, Infants and Children) Program
Provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support, supplemental foods and referrals to health care services. WIC benefits are issued each month on a pre-loaded WIC Nutrition Benefits card. The card can be used at authorized stores to pay for WIC approved foods (i.e. milk, eggs, peanut butter, cereal, baby cereal, formula, fresh fruits and vegetables, beans, etc). You can continue to receive services up to the child’s 5th birthday. You may qualify if...

You are lower income (185% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines) AND
You are pregnant OR
You have a child up to the age of five OR
You gave birth, had a miscarriage or an abortion no more than six months ago.

The MetroHealth System Cuyahoga County
WIC Program Administrative Office
216-957-9421
5202 Memphis Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44144
Call for the number of the WIC clinic nearest to you. Appointments are scheduled ONLY at local clinics. You can’t walk in at the address listed above. Make sure you ask what documents you will need to bring with you to the appointment.

Food Pantries

Cleveland-West

Calvary Reformed Church
216-961-4271
1918 West 65th St.
Cleveland, OH 44102
Hours: 2nd and 4th Friday of every month: 12:00pm-4:00pm
Information: Serves residents of 44102

Church of Jesus Christ Mount Moriah Community Center
216-451-7585
9807 Cudell Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44102
Hours: The 3rd Saturday of each month from 11:00am-1:00pm.
Information: Serves Cuyahoga County residents who are low income or suffering temporary financial hardship. May receive service once per month.

Cooley Avenue Church of God Outreach Center and Food Bank
216-671-4619
12401 Cooley Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44111
Hours: Third Saturday of each month: 10:00am-12:00pm
Information: Serves residents of 44111 who are over age 18

Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland Blessed Trinity - Bountiful Basement Hunger Network Site
216-436-2000
216-619-8155 ext. 17
14040 Puritas Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44135
Hours: Tuesday: 9:30am-12:00pm; Wednesday: 5:00pm-6:45pm; Thursday: 9:30am-12:00pm Generally, closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve/Day, New Year's Eve/Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, and all major holidays. Will be open on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve ONLY IF the holiday falls on a Tuesday or Thursday.
Information:Serves parts of ZIP codes 44135, 44111 and small portions of 44126 and 44142 in the City of Cleveland. Also serves all of Fairview Park. Exact boundaries may be determined by calling 211/First Call For (--> for) Help. Service may be received once per month. Generally, income should be 200% of the Federal Poverty Limit or less. Households that do not meet the income guidelines but have extenuating circumstances (such as loss of income or some other financial hardship) may be served on a case by case basis.

May Dugan Center
216-631-5800
4115 Bridge Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44113
Hours: The 4th Wednesday of each month from 9:00am-1:00pm
Information: Register on your first visit. Call M-F: 8:00 am-5:00 pm if you have questions. Service is on a first-come, first-served basis. Serves ages 18 and older. Must be a resident of the west side of Cleveland and be low income.

Walk of Faith Community Center
216-941-3270
12833 Lorain Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44111
Choice Food Pantry
Hours: Wednesday: 6:00 pm-7:30 pm
Information: May close early if limit is reached. Serves residents of 44111 and 44135. Clients can receive food once every four weeks. May not get clothes from the donation center on the same visit. In addition, clients must have an income that follows the guidelines of The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). TEFAP guidelines are 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Cleveland-East

Affinity Missionary Baptist Church
216-283-4365
4411 East 175th St.
Cleveland, OH 44128
Hours: 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month: 11:00am-2:30pm; "Open Air Market" is held April through November on the second Wednesday of the month: 2:00 pm-5:00 pm.
Information: Serves the City of Cleveland. No income restrictions, but targets low income or those facing economic hardship. Clients may go twice per month and also go to the produce distribution (when it is open).

Beulah Missionary Baptist Church of Collinwood - Arthur Bell Food Pantry
216-451-5477
14912 Saranac Rd.
Cleveland, OH 44110
Hours: 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month (unless falls on a holiday): 4:00pm-6:00pm
Information: Serves residents of Cuyahoga County. Must have income at or below the guidelines of The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). TEFAP guidelines are based on 150% (1.5 times) of the Federal Poverty Guidelines that were in effect on the previous Oct. 1st. Client can receive assistance once every 30 days (unless dire emergency). Proof of Family Size (showing legal guardianship): Birth certificates or Medicaid/Medicare cards (for each member of the household). Photo I.D. (for client AND his or her representative, if disabled). Proof of Residency (Utility bill, Medical bill, etc.)

Bridge of Hope Community Center
216-276-0571
3949 Lee Rd.
William Saunders Life Center
Cleveland, OH 44128
Hours: First and third Friday of the month: 5:00pm-8:00pm and the first and third Saturday of the month: 9:00am-12:00pm
Information: Serves the area from E 151st St. to E 189th St. between Scottsdale Blvd. and Harvard Ave. E. (this area contains parts of the following Cleveland ZIP codes: 44128, 44122 and 44120). Service may be received once per month.

Catholic Charities, St. Philip Neri Family
216-391-4415
799 East 82nd St.
Cleveland, OH 44103
Hours: Last Friday of each month: 8:00am-12:00pm, except in November and December when it is held on an earlier Friday of the month so that clients have food for the holidays (call for specific date).
Information: Must reside in zip codes 44103, 44108, or the northwest part of 44106 (includes Ansel Rd., otherwise decided on a case-by-case basis), and have income at or below poverty level. However no one is turned away.

The Church COGIC
216-341-0385
7541 Kinsman Rd.
Cleveland, OH 44104
Hours: 3rd Saturday of the month: 10:00am-1:00pm.
Information: Residents living within the 44104 zip code.. Photo I.D.; proof of address and proof of dependents: recent report card or medical insurance card for children.

East Mt. Zion Baptist Church - Main Site
216-231-0408
9990 Euclid Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44106
Hours: Must register for the monthly food distribution by calling the registration phone number each month on the Monday or Tuesday following the 2nd Sunday of each month, from 9:00am-12:30pm. (This phone number is only in operation during the designated days and hours stated above - if no answer, callers are encouraged to keep trying until they get through). Pick up of food is on the Saturday after the 3rd Sunday of the month, 10:30am-11:30am, ONLY if client receives a call back.
Information: Anyone who is low income (TEFAP income guidelines) and has need for services provided. There is no geographic restriction. Photo I.D., Social Security or Health Card, Proof of number in family (each member requires I.D.), Proof of Income

Olivet Institutional Baptist Church - Main Site
216-721-3585
8712 Quincy Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44106
Hours: Last Thursday of the month: 10:00am-12:00pm. If a holiday falls on the last Thursday of the month, there will be no pantry.
Information: No restrictions; targets immediate neighborhood.

Saint James AME Church
216-231-3562
8401 Cedar Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44103
Hours: 3rd Friday of each month: 12:00pm-2:30pm. CLOSED every July and August.
Information: Individuals need to be of low income (TEFAP guidelines) or unemployed, and live in the Fairfax Area. Boundaries are E 79th St. on the west, E 107th St./Fairhill on the east, Woodland on the south and Chester Ave. on the north. Individuals not living in the Fairfax Area may be served once but will be referred to other food pantries thereafter.

Saint Timothy Missionary Baptist Church
216-391-0064
7101 Carnegie Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44103
Hours: Last Friday of the month as well as the preceding Thursday: 10:00am-2:00pm (service days will fall within the same month). If a holiday falls during a service week, the pantry will generally serve the week before. Pantry will inform regular pantry users of schedule changes when they come in for service. New clients may call to check the schedule, if needed.
Information: Serves residents of 44103. Must have income that meets USDA Guidelines. Client can receive assistance once every month.

Saint Vincent De Paul Society at Holy Name, Church Pantry
216-441-6373
8328 Broadway Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44105
Hours: Saturday: 9:30am-12:30pm; generally pantry will be closed on the Saturday nearest to (either before or after) a holiday (Christmas, New Years, Easter, July 4th, and Thanksgiving).
Information: Serves low income and those experiencing financial hardship who live in zip codes: 44105, 44125, and 44127. Clients may receive food once per calendar month and clothing once every six months.

Second Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church
216-391-2100
1881 East 71st St.
Cleveland, OH 44103
Hours: 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month: 10:00 am-12:00 noon. CLOSED during the month of July (every year).
Information: Residents of Cuyahoga County. Service is restricted to one visit per month, per family. In addition, clients must have an income that follows the guidelines of The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). TEFAP guidelines are based on 150% (1.5 times) of the Federal Poverty Guidelines that were in effect on the previous Oct. 1st.

Workmen’s Circle Mitzvah Food Pantry
216-381-4515
2490 Lee Blvd. Ste. 300B
Cleveland Hts., OH 44118
Hours: Third full week of the month: Tuesday-Friday: 10:00am-2:00pm. A full week is considered a complete M-F on the calendar. CLOSED in January. No service offered on Jewish holidays.
Information: Serves those with income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines and who reside in the following Zip codes: 44106, 44110, 44112, 44118, 44121, 44122, 44124, and 44143.

West Suburbs

Bay Presbyterian Church - Hunger Network
440-871-1503 ext. 15
25415 Lake Rd.
Bay Village, OH 44140
Hours: Please call church for all food pantry requests Generally closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve/Day, New Year’s Eve/Day, and all major holidays.
Information: Must be a resident of Bay Village, or a member of Bay Presbyterian Church.

City of Berea
440-826-4891
91 South Rocky River Dr.
Berea, OH 44017
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, & Friday: 12:00pm-2:00pm; Wednesday: 8:30am-1:00pm; Thursday: 12:00pm-5:00pm
Information: Residents of the City of Berea. Generally, income should be 200% of the Federal Poverty Limit or less. Client can only receive service once per month.

Brook Park Community Church of the Brethren, Audrey’s Outreach
216-433-1515
16845 Holland Rd.
Brook Park, OH 44142
Hours: Monday: 11:00 am–2:00 pm; Thursday: 4:00 pm–7:00 pm
Information: No geographic restrictions. Client can receive canned goods and produce 1 time per week; may receive meat and personal grooming items 1 time per month.

Brooklyn Heights Village Department of Community Services
216-739-3702
233 Tuxedo Ave.
Brooklyn Hts., OH 44131
Hours: (By appointment only) Monday-Friday: 9:00am-3:30pm
Information: Must be a resident of Brooklyn Heights. There are income restrictions, and there may be restrictions on frequency of service, but these will be established on a case-by-case basis.

Lakewood Christian Service Center - Hunger Network Site
216-226-6466
14230 Madison Ave.
Lakewood, OH 44107
Hours: Monday-Friday: 10:00am-1:45pm; extra hours Wednesday evenings: 5:30pm-7:30pm. Generally, closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve/Day, New Year’s Eve/Day, and all major holidays.
Information: Serves residents of Lakewood, Westlake, and Rocky River. Service may be received once per month. Generally, income should be 200% of the Federal Poverty Limit or less. Households that do not meet the income guidelines but have extenuating circumstances (such as loss of income or some other financial hardship) may be served on a case by case basis.

Lakewood Trinity Lutheran Church
216-226-8087
16400 Detroit Ave.
Lakewood, OH 44107
Hours: 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month: 8:30am-12:30pm
Information: Generally, income should be 200% of the Federal Poverty Limit or less. Households that do not meet the income guidelines but have extenuating circumstances (such as loss of income or some other financial hardship) may be served on a case by case basis.

Middleburg Heights Food Pantry
216-362-0044
Middlebrook Education Center
6877 Middlebrook Blvd.
Middleburg Hts., OH 44130
Hours: Tuesday: 10:00am-12:00pm; Thursday: 5:00pm-7:00pm
Information: Low income (at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines) residents of Middleburg Heights, or low-income members of Middleburg Heights churches from anywhere. Client can only receive service once per month.

Parma Hunger Center
216-351-6376
5280 Broadview Rd.
Parma, OH 44134
Hours: Tuesday: 2:00pm-4:00pm; Friday: 10:00am-12:00pm. Generally, closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve/Day, New Year’s Eve/Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, and all major holidays.
Information: Only serves Parma residents - and clients are not be able to go to Brookside on off-months. Generally, income should be 200% of the Federal Poverty Limit or less. Households that do not meet the income guidelines but have extenuating circumstances (such as loss of income or some other financial hardship) may be served on a case by case basis.

East Suburbs

South Haven Church of Christ - Hunger Network Site
216-619-8155 ext. 17
216-436-2000
415 Northfield Rd.
Bedford, OH 44146
Hours: Tuesday, Thursday: 9:30am-11:45am; last Saturday of the month: 9:30am-11:45am. Generally, closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve/Day, New Year’s Eve/Day, and all major holidays.
Information:Serves residents of Bedford, Bedford Heights, Bentleyville, Oakwood Village, Walton Hills Village, Glenwillow Village, and Solon. Service may be received once per month. Generally, income should be 200% of the Federal Poverty Limit or less. Households that do not meet the income guidelines but have extenuating circumstances (such as loss of income or some other financial hardship) may be served on a case by case basis.

Temple Baptist Church
216-249-7000
1862 Noble Rd.
East Cleveland, OH 44112
Hours: 3rd Saturday of the month: 11:30am-1:30pm
Information: Serves households in the following Zip codes: 44112, 44110, 44108, 44121, 44118, 44143. Must be low income or facing financial hardship.

Imani Church
216-732-8204
1505 East 260th St.
Euclid, OH 44132
Hours: 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month: 9:00am-1:00pm
Information: Euclid residents who are low income or experiencing temporary financial hardship. Pantry can only be accessed once per month.

Garfield Human Development Corporation at Rock Community Church
216-217-5532
9403 Garfield Blvd.
Garfield Hts., OH 44125
Hours: 3rd Saturday of each month: 8:00am-11:00am; Wednesdays 5:30pm-6:30pm (Except the 1st Wednesday of each month)
Information: Assistance offered only once per month, must be a resident of Garfield Heights, have photo ID, proof of current resident (i.e. utility bill)

Mt. Zion Fellowship
216-292-3131 ext. 219
4265 Northfield Rd.
Highland Hills, OH 44128
Hours: Every 3rd and 4th Saturday: 10:00am-12:00pm. Closed on all major holidays.
Information: Serves low income residents and those experiencing temporary hardship within zip codes 44122, 44128 and 44146. Also serves the portion of 44137 bordered by Warrensville Center Rd. to the west, Northfield Rd. to the east and Libby Rd. to the south. (Clients outside of the service area who had been regular clients since 2012 or earlier will still be served.) Information: re-certify every July, must bring photo ID, proof of current residence and identification for all members of household)

Our Savior Lutheran Church
440-442-4455
440-915-6678 (For emergency food appointments)
2154 Som Center Rd.
Mayfield Hts., OH 44124
Hours: 3rd Saturday of the month, unless it falls on a holiday. Then will serve on closest Saturday, generally the Saturday before the holiday. 11:00am-1:30pm. Also provides food in an emergency situation at any time.
Information: Serves residents of Mayfield Heights, Mayfield Village, Highland Heights and Gates Mills.

Hot Meals/Soup Kitchens

These are places such as churches where you can go to get a free meal.

You must go on the day and time that the meal is served.
You generally don’t need a photo ID or any paperwork.
There are over 100 locations in Cuyahoga County. Listed below are a few central city locations that provide a meal. Note that times may change without notice.

Call United Way 2-1-1 for the address of other locations near you.

Bishop William M. Cosgrove Center
1736 Superior Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44114
Closed the second Monday of each month.
Breakfast: Monday-Friday: 8am -9am
Lunch: Monday-Friday: 12:00pm-1:30pm

St. Augustine
2486 West 14th St.
Cleveland, OH 44113
No meals the first 7 days of every month.
Breakfast: 7 days a week: 7:30am-8am
Lunch: 7 days a week: 11:30am-12:00pm
Dinner: Monday-Thursday: 4:30pm-5pm

St. Herman’s House of Hospitality
4410 Franklin Blvd.
Cleveland, OH 44113
Breakfast: 7 days a week: 5:45am
Lunch: 7 days a week: 11:15am
Dinner: 7 days a week: 5:15pm

St. Malachi’s Church
2459 Washington Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44113
Breakfast/Lunch: Monday-Saturday: 8:30am-3:00pm, Sunday: 8:00am-1:00pm
Dinner: Monday at 5:30pm

Trinity Cathedral
2230 Euclid Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44115
Lunch: Sunday: 12:00pm-1:00pm

West Side Catholic Center
3135 Lorain Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44113
Breakfast: Monday-Friday: 9:00am-9:30am, Sat: 9:00am-9:45am
Lunch: Monday-Friday: 12:00pm-12:45pm

Meal Programs for Children

After-School Meal Program

City of Cleveland Recreation Centers are offering after-school meals for children ages 5-18 between the hours of 3pm-6:30 pm at all City of Cleveland Recreation Centers. Call United Way’s, First Call for Help: 211 or your local recreation center directly for more information.

Clark Recreation Center
5706 Clark Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44102
216-664-4657

Cleveland Central Recreation
2526 Central Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44115
216-664-4241

Collinwood
16300 Lakeshore Blvd.
Cleveland, OH 44110
216-420-8323

Cory
10510 Drexel Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44108
216-664-3389

Cudell Recreation
1910 West Blvd.
Cleveland, OH 44102
216-664-4137

Earle B. Turner
11300 Miles Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44105
216-420-8358

EJ Kovacic
6250 St. Clair Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44103
216-664-4140

Eastbrook
4125 Fulton Rd.
Cleveland, OH 44144
216-664-4149

Fairfax
2335 East 82nd St.
Cleveland, OH 44104
216-664-4142

Glenville
680 East 113th St.
Cleveland, OH 44108
216-664-2516

Gunning
16700 Puritas Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44135
216-420-7900

Halloran Park
3550 West 117th St.
Cleveland, OH 44111
216-664-4187

Hamilton
13200 Kinsman Rd.
Cleveland, OH 44120
216-664-4121

John F Kennedy
17300 Harvard Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44128
216-664-2572

Kenneth L Johnson
9206 Woodland Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44104
216-664-4124

Lonnie Burten
2511 East 46th St.
Cleveland, OH 44104
216-664-4139

Michael Zone
6301 Lorain Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44102
216-664-3373

Stella Walsh
7245 Broadway Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44105
216-664-4658

Sterling
1380 East 32nd St.
Cleveland, OH 44114
216-664-2573

Thurgood Marshall
8611 Hough Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44106
216-664-4045

Zelma George
3155 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.
Cleveland, OH 44104
216-420-8800

School Breakfast and Lunch Program
This program provides free or reduced meals to students who qualify. The school should have a Free/Reduced Meal Application provided to parents and the parents should contact the school directly to check on the status of the application.

Summer Lunch Program
Meals for children are offered at many locations throughout the summer months. You can call to locate the nearest program (up to date information is generally not available until late spring of each year)

United States Dept. of Agriculture
866-348-6479

Related programs

Related topics

Related roles

Related divisions

Cuyahoga Job and Family Services