Cleveland Clinic’s Commitment to Food Insecurity

For over 100 years, the Cleveland Clinic has been a leader in healthcare excellence, research and education, utilizing not only elite medical care but philanthropic efforts to support communities in need.  

After the first White House conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health in September 2022, the Cleveland Clinic made two commitments: open four new “Nourish Food Pantry Plus” locations by 2025 and launch a program that provides vouchers for the delivery of nutritious food to food-insecure pregnant women and children with chronic illnesses.

Today, the Cleveland Clinic is proud to be meeting its goals. They have opened three food pantries – two in Akron, Ohio and another in Warrensville Heights, a suburb in Cleveland. They are currently on track to open their fourth food pantry in Cleveland’s Fairfax neighborhood in 2025. Further, each pantry is staffed with dietitians to assist clients in making the best nutritional decisions for themselves and their families.  

To help stock the pantry shelves, the Cleveland Clinic partners with the local food banks and their food vendor partners, Aramark and Morrison Healthcare.  

The second of the Cleveland Clinic’s commitment to the White House includes their “Healthy Moms and Babies” program, which serves approximately 120 food-insecure pregnant women and their families.  Rosemary Miles, director of Community Health Equity at the Cleveland Clinic, said Cleveland has a higher-than-average infant mortality rate, which means a high number of babies do not live beyond their first birthday. In addition, Miles said there is a higher-than-average maternal mortality rate, especially in Black and other marginalized communities, so this program is crucial in addressing disparities.  

“We know that for a pregnant woman or a new mother, getting to and from the grocery store can be a challenge,” Miles said. “The option of having their food delivered right to their doorstep alleviates the worry and stress of how they're going to get food for themselves and their families.”

Once referred to the program by a community health worker or obstetric navigator, each client can choose foods from an online storefront that is curated by a Cleveland Clinic Registered Dietitian and determined as nutritious for both the mother and baby, an important element of the service. Clients then have the option to pick up the groceries themselves, or get the groceries delivered right to their doorstep.

“We're delighted there is a national emphasis on addressing healthy foods and food insecurity by the White House,” said Monica Yepes-Rios, MD, FACP, medical director, Community Health Equity/Food as Medicine. “The White House set the stage by elevating the challenges of food insecurity and uniting organizations across the nation to work on solutions together.”  

‍