Cleveland Clinic Pledges $50 Million to Address Hunger

Cleveland Clinic has made a five year, $50 million commitment to reduce hunger and improve access to nutritious food across Ohio, Florida and Nevada through direct support to local food banks and community-based organizations that are providing food to those in need.

This long term investment is designed to give community organizations the stability they need to continue their critical work. By providing essential funding over five years, the pledge helps strengthen the local systems that ensure families have reliable access to nutritious food. The commitment offers partners the security to plan for the future, expand proven programs and build lasting capacity within the communities they serve.

“Our success fuels our responsibility. As an anchor institution, Cleveland Clinic has a duty to reinvest in the communities we serve,” said Tom Mihaljevic, M.D., Cleveland Clinic President and CEO, and holder of the Morton Mandel CEO Chair at Cleveland Clinic. “Expanding access to nutritious food is one of the most powerful ways we can support health, stability and opportunity for families. This commitment reflects our belief that addressing hunger is essential to improving overall health and creating stronger, healthier communities for generations to come.”

Food insecurity remains a significant challenge nationwide. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that one in seven households (nearly 48 million people) struggle to access nutritious food on a consistent basis. Those affected range from children and older adults to working families, veterans and residents of both urban and rural areas.

“This investment strengthens the systems that help families access the healthy food options they need,” said Vickie Johnson, Chief Community Officer at Cleveland Clinic. “By partnering with community based organizations across Ohio, Florida and Nevada, we can scale proven programs and ensure resources reach the people who need them most. These efforts reflect our commitment to building the long term community conditions that support better health.”

The $50M in funding will support the Greater Cleveland Food Bank along with several other food banks, pantries, and markets across Northeast Ohio, Florida, and Las Vegas, Nevada.

“We are profoundly grateful to the Cleveland Clinic for this extraordinary investment in our community. The need among families remains high, this remarkable commitment — especially to addressing childhood hunger — sends a powerful message that the health of our community begins with access to nutritious food. Because of this generosity, children, seniors, and families across our region will not only have the meals they need today, but the stability and nourishment to thrive for years to come.” Kristin Warzocha, President and CEO, Greater Cleveland Food Bank.

This pledge builds on Cleveland Clinic’s ongoing efforts to address hunger. The health system contributed $2 million to local food banks in 2025 and invested $10.4 million in 2023 to advance innovative food access initiatives. Cleveland Clinic programs include a teaching kitchen, summer and weekend meals for children, food vouchers, grocery delivery, free produce from local farms, and Nourish food pantries for patients who qualify.