The Lake County Mobile Food Pantry will continue to provide free produce to Lake County seniors with weekly distributions at locations across the region, the Lake County commissioners announced Aug. 25
A retrofitted 12-passenger Dial-a-Ride vehicle operated by Laketran, with traditional passenger seating replaced with shelving, will supply items to the community on Tuesdays from 10 to 11 am
“We are fortunate to have the resources to assist our seniors,” said Commissioner John Hamercheck. “Thank you to all of those involved in executing this wonderful service.”
Laketran recently announced distribution dates through March 2023, with the pantry alternating locations between Lake Erie Church of God in Madison, New Hope Baptist Church in Painesville, the Wickliffe Senior Center and the Laketran Mentor Park-n-Ride.
“It is truly a great blessing to see just how hard our community works to ensure every resident of the county is supported,” said Commissioner John Plecnik. “Our volunteers are doing God’s work.”
Seniors, 60 years and older, may register for one pickup per month, the board confirmed.
Participants must certify that the annual gross household income is at or below $25,759 for a household of one and $34,839 for a household of two.
Pre-registration is required for the 100 spots available each week.
New distribution dates/locations are:
• Lake Erie Church of God, 2300 Hubbard Road: Sept. 6, Oct. 4, Nov. 1, Dec. 6, Jan. 3, Feb. 7 and March 7
• New Hope Baptist Church, 428 Jackson St.: Sept. 13, Oct. 11, Nov. 8, Dec. 13, Jan. 10, Feb. 14 and March 14
• Wickliffe Senior Center, 900 Worden Road: Sept. 20, Oct. 18, Nov. 15, Dec. 20, Jan. 17, Feb. 21 and March 21
• Laketran Mentor Park-n-Ride, 8650 Market St.: Sept. 27, Oct. 25, Nov. 22, Dec. 27, Jan. 24, Feb. 28 and March 28
The pantry program is a collaboration between Laketran, Lake County Commissioners Senior Services, Lake County Council on Aging, Lifeline, Inc. and the Greater Cleveland Food Bank.
The agencies partner to secure food donations and each plays a role in taking reservations, managing volunteers and distributing food, officials noted.
“It takes cooperation and teamwork to put together something as great as the (Lake County) Mobile Food Pantry,” added Commissioner Mark Tyler. “All of the agencies involved have done a wonderful job.”
Last year, the pantry served 8,618 total individuals and distributed 388,440 pounds of food.
Lifeline and Council on Aging fielded 3,000 phone calls for program reservations and the Lake County Volunteer Network donated over 3,100 volunteer hours to keep the program operating.
To register for a pick-up, call Lifeline at 2-1-1 or the Council on Aging at 440-205-8111. Participants can call Laketran at 440-354-6100 to arrange a ride to produce pickup.