Update on School Meals and Community Resources

The federal government shutdown has raised questions about how it might affect school operations, particularly our free breakfast and lunch program.

Free Meals are Still Available
Our free meal program continues to operate as usual and all students are able to receive breakfast and lunch at no cost during the shutdown. While we are not aware of any potential impacts to this program at this time, we will send notice to families should anything change.

Community Resources
We also recognize that government shutdowns can create uncertainty and financial strain for impacted families. Those needing assistance or looking for ways to help others can find a list of local resources and community partners below. Families may also contact Maleeka Bussey, Director of Student Services, at 216-691-2020 if additional support is needed.

As always, our priority is the well-being of our students, staff, and families. Thank you for your continued partnership and care for one another.

Community resources:

• United Way 211 provides free and confidential referral services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, connecting neighbors to almost 1,700 agencies. Simply call 211. 

• The Greater Cleveland Food Bank has an interactive map for finding food distribution sites near you. Visit the website or call 216-738-2067.

• South Pointe Hospital (4180 Warrensville Heights Blvd.) has a food pantry available weekdays by appointment. Walk-ins are welcome on Thursdays from 1-3 p.m.

Ongoing food distribution:

• South Euclid United Church of Christ (4217 Bluestone Rd); the second Saturday of the month from 9 a.m.-Noon (Bring your ID)

• MetroHealth Medical Center (2500 MetroHealth Drive in the Outpatient Plaza); Fresh produce distribution the third Thursday of the month from 9:30-11:30 a.m. (Sponsored by Greater Cleveland Food Bank)

• South Pointe Hospital (20000 Harvard Rd.); Fresh produce distribution the first and third Friday of the month from 8:30-11:30 a.m. (Bring your ID) 

• Salvation Army West Park (12645 Lorain Ave.); Produce giveaway the third Friday of the month from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (Bring your own bag and an ID)

• Mary Queen of Peace (4423 Pearl Road); Produce giveaway the third Saturday of the month from 9-11 a.m.

• Greater Heights Church of Christ (2409 Willowdale); grocery distribution the third Saturday of the month from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. (Call 216-616-4422 with questions)

• Halle School (7901 Halle Ave.); produce market the fourth Wednesday of the month from 1-2 p.m. 

• Frederick Douglass High School (22700 Shore Center Dr.); produce giveaway the second Tuesday of the month from noon-4 p.m. (Back parking lot)

• Our Lady of Peace Church (12503 Buckingham Ave.); distributes pre-packed food bags on Mondays from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (at the church office)

• Vineyard Community Church (1928 E. 300th St.); food pantry every Tuesday (except the fifth Tuesday of the month) from 4:30-6:30 p.m. (Sponsored by the Cleveland Food Bank)

Food distribution by specific date:

• Word Church (5900 Kinsman Road and 18909 S. Miles Road); grocery giveaway on Saturday, November 8, from 9:30-11:30 a.m.

• Celebration UMC Church (771 E. 260th St.); food distribution on Thursday, November 13, from 3-5 p.m. 

• Bedford Heights Community Center (5615 Perkins Ave); produce distribution on Saturday, November 15, at 10 a.m. (Bring photo ID. Call 440-786-3214 with questions.)

• Church on the Heights (2706 Noble Road); food giveaway on Friday, November 21, and Friday, December 19, from 3-5 p.m. (Bring your own bag)

• Mobile food pantry (3096 Scranton Rd., Cleveland); Friday, December 26, at noon; fresh produce for those who qualify (Call 216-626-7060 with questions)

• St. Mary of Egypt Orthodox Mission and Chapel (4345 State Road); food distribution on Saturday, November 15, from 1-3 p.m. (No advance registration. You will register at the distribution on that day; bring a valid photo ID. Line up across the street for a drive-up distribution. No residency restrictions.)

• Cuyahoga County Public Library - Parma-Snow Branch (2121 Snow Rd) on Tuesday, November 4, from 3:30-5 p.m.

• Cuyahoga County Public Library - Garfield Heights Branch (5409 Turney Rd.) on Wednesday, November 5, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

• Cuyahoga County Public Library - Warrensville Heights Branch (4415 Northfield Rd.) on Thursday, November 13, from 1:30 to 3 p.m.

Standing food pantry:

• Salvation Army Cleveland Temple (17625 Grovewood Ave., Cleveland); Monday-Thursday from 9:30-11:30 a.m. (You may visit the pantry two times per month)

Additional Support Opportunity:

Double Penny Value Day
Giant Eagle double penny value one-day gift card exchange event up to $100
When: Saturday November 1
Time: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.