Food Insecurity
Building a community where every family has access to healthy, reliable food.
Why it Matters
Thousands of Cleveland families face days where the fridge is empty and the worry is heavy. Hunger sits in the background of everything — school, work, life. Rising food prices have pushed record numbers of new families to seek help.
YouthServeCLE makes November its month for food access in Greater Cleveland. Students showed up for FoodStrong's learning farm and urban farm operations, the Kosher Food Pantry, and the Cleveland Food Bank — hands-on service that put real food into the hands of real neighbors.
In November 2025, students assembled over 500 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches — every single one with a handwritten note of encouragement. "This is what YouthServeCCIS is all about — showing up, rolling up our sleeves, and making a real difference." They also supported FoodStrong's growing urban farm and brought the YouthServe family together for a Thanksgiving event.
Sara Continenza, founder of Food Strong, joined for a spotlight interview about the power of youth service and building a food-secure community. The Kosher Food Pantry continues to stand out as one of Cleveland's most impactful organizations fighting hunger with dignity.
The need doesn't stop in November. Every organization below is active year-round and needs volunteers. Show up. Make a sandwich. Help sort produce. It adds up.
What We Did
500+ PB&Js — all heading to those facing food insecurity in the Cleveland community, each with a handwritten note.
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Our students got to work at Food Strong's new farm, helping move and organize materials to support the farm's growth.
❤️ 80
Only in the CLE: a holiday built on giving back, created by the legend himself, Ricky Smith. Happy Mealsgiving!
❤️ 46
A closer look inside the Kosher Food Pantry — one of Cleveland's most impactful organizations fighting food insecurity with dignity.
❤️ 39
Sara Continenza, founder of Food Strong, joins us to talk about the power of service and why getting involved in your community matters.
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Good vibes, good people, and a whole lot to be grateful for at our Thanksgiving event.
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November showed what happens when students show up for their community. 🙌
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🍎 Food insecurity hits closer to home than you think.
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500+ PB&Js — all heading to those facing food insecurity in the Cleveland community, each with a handwritten note.
❤️ 163 likes
Our students got to work at Food Strong's new farm, helping move and organize materials to support the farm's growth.
❤️ 80 likes
Only in the CLE: a holiday built on giving back, created by the legend himself, Ricky Smith. Happy Mealsgiving!
❤️ 46 likes
A closer look inside the Kosher Food Pantry — one of Cleveland's most impactful organizations fighting food insecurity with dignity.
❤️ 39 likes
From the Event
500+ PB&Js — all heading to those facing food insecurity in the Cleveland community, each with a handwritten note.
A closer look inside the Kosher Food Pantry — one of Cleveland's most impactful organizations fighting food insecurity with dignity.
November showed what happens when students show up for their community. 🙌
YouthServe Spotlight: The Kosher Food Pantry ✨
Our students got to work at Food Strong's new farm, helping move and organize materials to support the farm's growth.
Sara Continenza, founder of Food Strong, joins us to talk about the power of service and why getting involved in your community matters.
🍎 Food insecurity hits closer to home than you think.
Misconceptions create barriers. Facts create change. 🍎
Only in the CLE: a holiday built on giving back, created by the legend himself, Ricky Smith. Happy Mealsgiving!
Good vibes, good people, and a whole lot to be grateful for at our Thanksgiving event.
🦃 LAST CALL to SERVE + CELEBRATE!
🍎 November Focus: Fighting Food Insecurity 🍞
Our Partners
Cleveland Food Bank
The Cleveland Food Bank is the largest hunger relief organization in Northeast Ohio, distributing tens of millions of pounds of food each year through a network of partner agencies across six counties. They work to ensure that no one in the region goes hungry by connecting surplus food with the families and individuals who need it most. Volunteer shifts at the Food Bank involve sorting, packaging, and preparing food for distribution — a high-impact, hands-on experience that students love.
Kosher Food Pantry
The Kosher Food Pantry provides nutritious, kosher-certified food to families and individuals in need across the Cleveland Jewish community and beyond, serving anyone who qualifies regardless of background. They operate with compassion and dignity, ensuring recipients receive quality food that respects their dietary needs and cultural practices. YouthServeCLE has partnered with the Kosher Food Pantry for food packing and distribution events that directly serve Cleveland families experiencing food insecurity.
Rid-All Green Partnership
Rid-All Green Partnership transforms abandoned urban land in Cleveland into thriving aquaponics farms, community gardens, and environmental education centers. Founded in the Kinsman neighborhood, they are pioneers in Cleveland's urban agriculture movement, providing fresh food, job training, and environmental literacy to the surrounding community. Volunteers help with planting, harvesting, composting, and educational programs that connect Clevelanders to sustainable food systems.
FoodStrong
FoodStrong works at the intersection of food, education, and economic development to build healthier, more food-secure communities across Greater Cleveland. Through urban farming initiatives, culinary education programs, and community food access projects, they address food insecurity while also building local skills and economic opportunity. YouthServeCLE partners with FoodStrong to connect students with hands-on food systems work that makes Cleveland's communities stronger and more self-sufficient.
Watch Our Impact
FoodStrong Learning Garden Highlight Reel
What makes the Cleveland Kosher Food Pantry so special?
FoodStrong: Sara Continenza
Kosher Food Pantry: Sarah Yaffe Alevsky
The Reality
Want to Help?
Join us at our next event or connect with one of our partner organizations.
Get Involved