In a groundbreaking move, the Greater Cleveland Food Bank has set a new standard for providing social services alongside free food, redefining how food banks and pantries can support their communities.

The recently opened Community Resource Center (216.738.2067) represents a game-changer. This modern, upscale facility offers permanent space to 15 nonprofit social service agencies, all conveniently located under one roof. Clients now have seamless access to a wide range of services in a single visit, complementing their grocery-store-style food pantry experience. From housing assistance to employment support, healthcare, legal aid, and more, the Community Resource Center offers comprehensive help to those in need.

Kristin Warzocha, President and CEO of Greater Cleveland Food Bank, shares the long-term vision behind this initiative, stating, “In the long run, what we want to do is reduce hunger because we’ve been able to connect our neighbors to other services.”

While Greater Cleveland Food Bank’s approach is innovative, it’s not entirely unprecedented. Ohio itself has seen examples of food banks blending food distribution with access to social services. Mid-Ohio Food Collective, for instance, has been pairing social services with nutritious food at its Mid-Ohio Markets for several years, now totaling eight locations. Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank has adopted a similar model at its Stark County Campus and plans to extend it to its primary distribution site.

What sets Greater Cleveland Food Bank apart is its commitment to providing permanent satellite offices for all community partners within its facility, rather than temporary setups at specified times. This renovated facility includes an examination room staffed by a health clinic, and it’s poised to become the new headquarters and distribution hub for partners like a diaper bank and a children’s clothing and shoe store. Additionally, it houses a computer lab operated by a local community college and a playroom managed by a school readiness nonprofit, allowing children to wait comfortably while adults access services. The center, including the food market, boasts extended operating hours during the week and even opens every other Saturday.

The concept of integrating social services into food distribution is part of a larger strategy aimed at expanding capacity. While the food bank already serves 400,000 people through its network of 1,000 agencies, it recognizes that 550,000 individuals in its service area are eligible for food assistance, highlighting a substantial gap in access.

The Community Resource Center, a transformative upgrade of the food bank’s original warehouse, is part of a comprehensive three-phase $80 million project. This initiative includes the launch of a new distribution center last year and plans for at least two more smaller resource centers. The food bank allocated $13 million to renovate and modernize its old warehouse, transforming it into a state-of-the-art community center.

Recruiting partners for this resource center was a meticulous process that spanned over a year, with some partners requiring more time to join. Remarkably, all essential partners embraced the initiative. Partners pay rent per square foot, with substantial subsidies from the food bank’s fundraising efforts. The food bank also covers additional costs, such as a receptionist for the welcome area, utilities, and cleaning.

To track the outcomes of referrals, Greater Cleveland Food Bank will employ software from Unite Us, a platform already used by some of its community partners. The plan involves monitoring clients’ progress through quick text surveys and other communication methods.

With years of experience in community outreach, Greater Cleveland Food Bank recognizes that food insecurity often has multiple underlying causes. As Kristin Warzocha notes, “We get so many calls in our help center from people who are in need of food for the first time and they have no idea where to start.” She emphasizes that individuals grappling with food insecurity frequently face job loss, medical challenges, housing crises, and more. The Community Resource Center’s aim is to centralize these services, ensuring that all necessary resources are readily accessible in one location.