Diocese of Cleveland has launched its annual Catholic Charities Easter meals service. The aim is to offer free meals to community members as food insecurity continues to surge across Northeast Ohio.
Catholic Charities Easter meals registration open until March 23
Diocese of Cleveland, says the initiative runs through early April, providing both on-site dining and take-home meal options across the eight-county diocese. Officials restructured this year’s programme to expand its reach and maximise impact amid growing demand.
“As food costThe s continue to rise, more and more individuals are questioning where their next meal will come from,” said Daniel Horrigan, interim president and CEO of Catholic Charities.
Community members can request take-home meals for pickup between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on April 2 at multiple locations. These include Blessed Trinity Church in Akron, Catholic Charities offices in Geauga, Lake, Lorain, and Medina counties.
Members can also request from Fatima Family Center, Hispanic Senior Center and St. Martin de Porres Family Center in Cleveland.
Registration for take-home meals closes at noon on March 23, or earlier if capacity fills. Applicants must provide their name, phone number, number of meals requested, and preferred pickup location.
Additionally, members can register online, call 800-860-7373, or visit their nearest Catholic Charities office for assistance.
In-person community meals available at multiple sites
The charity says, for those preferring in-person dining, several sites will host community meals from late March through early April.
Locations include St. Edward Parish in Ashland, Covenant Community Church in Cleveland, Dunham Church, St. Aloysius Church. It also includes Catholic Charities Bishop Cosgrove Center and multiple other faith-based venues across Cuyahoga, Lorain and Summit counties.
Meanwhile, Catholic Charities relies on volunteers, community partners, and donors to sustain the holiday meal service. The organisation has provided free holiday meals for several consecutive years through both on-site gatherings and home deliveries.
“With the continued support of our partners and volunteers, we can bring nourishment and hope to families during this holy season,” Horrigan added.
In a recent development, Catholic Charities launched the annual ‘40 Cans For Lent’ program geared toward providing basic food items for the community. This follows calls to observe the Lenten season with a show of love, particularly among the vulnerable.