Cleveland Clinic Pledges $750,000 to Greater Dover New Philadelphia Food Pantry

On May 7, Cleveland Clinic presented Greater Dover New Philadelphia Food Pantry with a $750,000 gift over the next five years. This pledge is part of Cleveland Clinic’s $50 million commitment to local organizations fighting food insecurity.

“Showing up for our communities is essential,” said Vickie Johnson, Cleveland Clinic Chief Community Officer. “This investment helps ensure steady access to nutritious food, supports families throughout the year, and strengthens Greater Dover New Philadelphia Food Pantry’s ability to plan for the future and adapt to community needs.”

Greater Dover New Philadelphia Food Pantry is a key partner for Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital and feeds over 800 food-insecure families each week. 

“Access to nutritious food is foundational to lasting health,” said Kavitha Subramanian, M.D., Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital. “This partnership with the Greater Dover New Philadelphia Food Pantry allows us to support patients beyond the hospital and meet a critical need in our community.”

The Greater Dover New Philadelphia Food Pantry was founded in 2008 following a community‑wide effort to consolidate several smaller church and agency pantries into one shared resource to serve more people equitably and efficiently. Operating on core principles of dignity and access – never turning anyone away, assuming honesty and serving individuals regardless of location. The pantry provides consistent and reliable food support to families in need.

“Since its small beginnings in the basement of the Salvation Army building in January 2008, the Greater Dover New Philadelphia Food Pantry has undergone significant change to become a major force in ending hunger in the Tuscarawas River Valley. Thanks to the financial support of the community, the volunteer efforts of countless individuals, and the availability of the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, we are making a critical difference in the lives of those in need of food in our area,” says Bill Fritz, Treasurer, Greater Dover New Philadelphia Food Pantry. 

“We especially want to thank the Cleveland Clinic for joining with us last year as we address food insecurity. Today you have opened a whole new world of possibilities for us to explore. Lives will be changed as hope is renewed,” Fritz adds. 

Cleveland Clinic’s pledge builds on existing efforts to address food insecurity through philanthropy and care‑based programs, including teaching kitchens, pediatric summer and weekend meal initiatives, food vouchers, grocery delivery, free produce from local farms, and Nourish food pantries for eligible patients.