In a mobilization of funds that appears to defy the imminent cut-off of SNAP benefits, civic leaders in Cuyahoga County have urgently gathered a $600,000 safety net. This emergency pool of money, put together by an alliance of government, sports teams, and philanthropic organizations, is set to bridge the anticipated food security gap for Cleveland residents. According to an announcement by Cuyahoga County, this initiative spearheads an immediate response to the expected halt in federal aid starting today.
Significant contributions were made by Cuyahoga County, the City of Cleveland, and several local organizations, including The Cleveland Foundation and The George Gund Foundation. Sports teams such as the Cleveland Browns, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Cleveland Guardians also pitched in, alongside community faith leader The Word Church.
The Greater Cleveland Food Bank is set to receive immediate funding deployment, with plans to expand mobile pantry operations and boost local food pantries’ capacity. Joining forces under the Cuyahoga Hunger Response Team, city and county officials, healthcare providers, and social service agencies aim to ensure a systematic outreach and efficient use of the emergency funds…