Tips for Navigating Northeast Ohio Food Pantries

More than 223,000 people were helped in 2009 at the 456 hunger programs in Northeast Ohio supplied by the Cleveland Food Bank. That's a 31-percent increase from the previous year, according to spokeswoman Karen Ponza. If you find yourself in need of food to get you to the next paycheck or until you find a job, there's help available. Here are a few tips:

1. Call ahead. Some programs are open only certain days of the week; some ask that you make an appointment. Some pantries have a one-visit-a-month limit; others allow you to visit weekly. Call in advance to avoid being disappointed.

2. Be flexible. Since food programs rely, at least partially, on donations, they generally won't have the same items each time you visit. One week you may get rice, the next, boxed potatoes. Don't expect a certain item each visit.

3. Bring ID. Not all programs require proof of income (some do), but most require that you show identification for yourself and for those in your household. Come prepared.

4. Try the Angel Food Network. Angel Food Network is a national network that buys food in bulk at good prices and distributes food packages via area churches. The boxes are not free - the basic package is $30 - but they generally offer a substantial value compared to grocery store prices and include items such as desserts and fresh fruit that are not frequently available at the food pantries. Visit the Angel Food Web site for the current menu and for locations near you.

5. Don't forget the pets. A few area food pantries stock pet food when it's available. In addition, there are several pet food pantries in the area, such as PAWS in Madison.

6. Supplement your food stores with garden produce. Even the smallest yard has room for a vegetable garden. Share seeds with neighbors or buy them at a discount early in the season. Plant lettuce, radishes and peas in the spring, and switch to zucchini, tomatoes and peppers for a late-summer bounty. Share extras with neighbors or take some to the food pantry for others in need.

7. Learn couponing. Another way to get cheap - and even free - food is to learn and practice couponing. Giant Eagle in Northeast Ohio doubles manufacturers' coupons valued at up to $1, making some items free when combined with store specials. Coupons can be found online (at sites such as Coupons.com), in the Sunday newspapers (ask a friend for the coupon inserts or buy day-old newspapers at a discount on Mondays at Discount Drug Mart and some Rite Aid drug stores), or on displays in area grocery stores and drug stores.

To locate a hunger program near you, contact the Cleveland Food Bank at 216-738-2265.

Sources:

http://www.clevelandfoodbank.org/site/PageServer?pagename=news_press_releasses