Seniors in Collinwood Checking Out the Food Bank

It's been interesting these past few months, tracking down news and information that our Collinwood senior neighbors may find useful. Had no idea when I started this, that there's such a wealth of both in our city and county. Hopefully this column helps us connect to what we need to know! And by the way - if you come across something you think we should know about, please do feel free to let me know! And thanks!

This month is about the Greater Cleveland Food Bank.

We all know where this is, over on South Waterloo Rd. of course, and we have a good idea of what they do for our community. Most of our area food pantries are helped by them, for instance, as well as many of our schools. There's a lot more to them though, that I was surprised to find out!

Early in May, I had the chance to sit down with one of their Benefit Outreach Counselors, Akilah Ashraf. She's knowledgeable, caring and fun to talk to.

One of the biggest things the Food Bank can help with is applying for the SNAP or food stamp program. Benefits vary depending on your income of course, it does not matter if your income is from Social Security or somewhere else, it's worth stopping by and at least checking into this. For one person it could be up to $194 a month! (This could give you that bit of "backup" in a SNAP account won't hurt. If nothing else, it'll allow you to "splurge" a bit now and then)! They can also walk you through the Benefit Bank website, which is set up by the state, to help people get a quick idea as to what benefits they may be eligible for, again, definitely worth checking out! You may be surprised, I was when I did this myself a few years ago. You don't know what's out there, until you check it out, worth a bit of time, no? There's so much they can help with! They can help you with more than 20 different programs

Another program offered by the Food Bank is free fresh produce. On the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. from May to September, the Food Bank offers free fresh produce. This is on a first come-first served basis, and you'll need to bring ID and bags.

Remember, it can't be any easier connecting with the Food Bank either. Just drop in, no appointment needed, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to apply for public benefits like SNAP.  Walk in to the Food Bank at 15500 S. Waterloo Rd. Cleveland 44110 and the person at the front desk will direct you. Or call the Help Center at 216-738-2067 or toll-free at 1-855-738-2067.

And thanks to Akilah, for all her help!

Stay well, then, and enjoy the summer! Hope to see you around the neighborhood!