Greater Cleveland Food Bank Launches 35th Harvest for Hunger Campaign

The food bank served more than 400,000 unique individuals in 2025, the highest number since the pandemic, as rising costs push families to seek assistance.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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The Greater Cleveland Food Bank hosted the kickoff for its 35th annual Harvest for Hunger campaign, emphasizing an unprecedented need to provide food assistance to local families. The organization served more than 400,000 unique individuals in 2025, the highest number since the height of the pandemic, with about 25% of those individuals utilizing the food bank for the first time. The food bank cited rising costs of rent, utilities, and groceries as contributing factors to many families in Northeast Ohio living paycheck to paycheck.

Why it matters

The Harvest for Hunger campaign is one of the food bank's largest initiatives throughout the year, involving several regional food banks to coordinate fundraising efforts and provide food assistance to families in need. The increased demand for services highlights the economic challenges many in the community are facing, with the food bank playing a vital role in supporting those struggling to make ends meet.

The details

During the kickoff event, Greater Cleveland Food Bank President and CEO Kristin Warzocha noted that about 25% of the 400,000 unique individuals served in 2025 were first-time users, and 50% were seniors and children. The food bank raised $11 million, equating to 33 million meals, during the 2025 campaign, with a goal of $11.5 million in 2026. A significant portion of the donations, between 30-50%, come from customers rounding up at the register when visiting the food bank's grocery store partners, which include Buehler's Fresh Foods, Dave's Supermarket, GetGo, Giant Eagle, Heinen's, and Lucky's.

  • The Greater Cleveland Food Bank hosted its 35th Harvest for Hunger campaign kickoff on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
  • The food bank served more than 400,000 unique individuals in 2025, the highest number since the height of the pandemic.

The players

Kristin Warzocha

President and CEO of the Greater Cleveland Food Bank.

Nic Barlage

Chief Executive Officer of Rock Entertainment Group and campaign co-chair.

Heidi G. Petz

President and CEO of the Sherwin-Williams Company and campaign co-chair.

Joe DiRocco

CFO of Unison Risk Advisors and campaign co-chair.

Paul Lewis

Board chair of St. Gabriel's Food Pantry in Mentor.

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What they’re saying

“The need is clear. People who never imagine needing help are finding that they do.”

— Kristin Warzocha, President and CEO of the Greater Cleveland Food Bank (cleveland.com)

“Uncertainty is weighing heavily on many families.”

— Kristin Warzocha, President and CEO of the Greater Cleveland Food Bank (cleveland.com)

“We didn't shut down. Instead, we rallied. That's this town — you band together, all in, to get it done.”

— Chris Ronayne, Cuyahoga County Executive (cleveland.com)

“The ability of this food bank to take dollars and get it to food and delivery in people's homes.”

— Paul Lewis, Board chair of St. Gabriel's Food Pantry in Mentor (cleveland.com)

What’s next

The Greater Cleveland Food Bank will host an event on June 11 to recognize the sponsors and participants of this year's Harvest for Hunger campaign.

The takeaway

The Greater Cleveland Food Bank's Harvest for Hunger campaign highlights the growing need for food assistance in the community, with rising costs pushing more families to seek help. The food bank's ability to rally support and deliver meals to those in need demonstrates the vital role it plays in supporting vulnerable populations during challenging economic times.