With the government shutdown triggering a pause in SNAP benefits starting Nov. 1, many Cleveland families face immediate food insecurity.
Across the region, community food pantries and assistance programs are bracing for higher demand. Local leaders emphasize this is an urgent moment. The safety net for households relying on SNAP may tighten temporarily or indefinitely.
In response, area agencies are coordinating with volunteers and donors to ensure meal support does not drop.
This page lists trusted Cleveland-area resources and national hotlines that anyone affected by the benefit delay can use right now.
Top-Trusted Cleveland Resources You Can Use
Call 211 (United Way helpline) or use211oh.org for free connection to local food pantries and hot meals across Cuyahoga and Geauga counties.
Greater Cleveland Food Bank offers an interactive map of more than 1,000 pantry sites and mobile distributions. Call 216-738-2067 for help.
National hotline: Dial 1-800-5HUNGRY (1-800-548-6479), or text your ZIP code to 800-548-6479 to get free pantry info by mobile.
Directory service: FindHelp.org lets you search “Food & Nutrition” in Cleveland to locate sites by neighborhood.
Federal programs: The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and other USDA food-box distributions support households during crises.
Visit WhyHunger.org to connect with community food partners, national assistance programs, and the Hunger Hotline.
Visit ccdocle.org/food-pantry for pantry hours and information. Catholic Charities provides free groceries and meals through parish networks across Northeast Ohio.
The Cure Hunger Program offers food distribution, grocery assistance, and hot meals to local families in need. It serves residents throughout East Cleveland and surrounding neighborhoods.
Remember
You do not need to wait for SNAP payments to access food help. Most pantries require only basic identification or ZIP-code verification. Families are encouraged to reach out early and visit nearby distribution sites while supplies remain steady. Cleveland’s food network stands ready to assist anyone affected by the benefit delay.
