Greater Cleveland Food Bank Unveils New Trucks to Enhance Food Access in Richland County
MANSFIELD, OH – July 8, 2025 – The Greater Cleveland Food Bank (GCFB) celebrated the unveiling of new trucks for two partners in Richland County, made possible by a one-time public investment of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds from the State of Ohio. The new vehicles will directly support the vital work of two key partner agencies: the Bellville Neighborhood Outreach Center (BNOC) and Matthew 25 Outreach Center.
The unveiling ceremony brought together GCFB leadership, elected officials, and representatives from BNOC and Matthew 25. This critical investment will enhance the capacity and efficiency of food distribution, ensuring more nutritious food reaches families and individuals in need across the region.
"Thanks to the foresight of public investment through ARPA funds and the incredible dedication of our partners like Bellville Neighborhood Outreach Center and Matthew 25, we are better equipped to deliver on our mission. This truly exemplifies how public and private sectors can collaborate to make a tangible difference in the lives of our neighbors,” said Kristin Warzocha, President & CEO of the Greater Cleveland Food Bank.
The Bellville Neighborhood Outreach Center (BNOC), a 100% volunteer-led organization and GCFB partner since 2001, serves as a comprehensive Food Resource Center. Beyond distributing nearly 320,000 pounds of food last fiscal year to over 1,600 unduplicated people, BNOC offers a clothing store, community workshops, and participates in the Retail Donation Program, expanding food access in Richland County. They also partner with GCFB on backpack and senior box programs.
Matthew 25 Outreach Center, also 100% volunteer-led, extends its reach to neighbors in Richland, Ashland, and Medina Counties. In the last fiscal year, Matthew 25 distributed over 630,000 pounds of food to nearly 14,000 unduplicated people. They offer walk-up, drive-up, and home delivery services, including hand-delivering senior boxes to 390 households monthly.
The Greater Cleveland Food Bank continues to strengthen its network in Richland and Ashland Counties, thanks to our public-private partnerships.
About the Greater Cleveland Food Bank:
The Greater Cleveland Food Bank is the largest hunger relief organization in Northeast Ohio having distributed more than 54 million pounds in FY2024 to just over 424,000 hungry people in Cuyahoga, Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake, Ashland and Richland counties. Our mission is working together to ensure that everyone in our communities has the nutritious food they need every day. We do this through both food distribution and SNAP outreach efforts. The Food Bank continues to provide nutritious food to those in need while working to end hunger tomorrow through connecting clients to resources. For more information go to: www.GreaterClevelandFoodBank.org
Media Contact:
Contact: Emma Shamburger
E: eshamburger@clevelandfoodbank.org