Hunger Network

So much history lives in the food we share.

From black-eyed peas to gumbo, so much of what we cook, share, and love traces back to African American food traditions — passed down through generations, carrying stories of resilience, creativity, and joy.

This , we pause to honor that legacy. If you haven't seen High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America on Netflix, it's a beautiful reminder: Black food is American food.

Watch it here: https://www.netflix.com/title/81034518

Keeping Food Moving, One Pantry at a Time 🍏💚

More than 18,000 families each month have turned to Hunger Network pantry partners for support this year — and our network needs volunteers to keep food moving across Cleveland communities. 💚

From stocking shelves to welcoming neighbors and helping distribute groceries, volunteers make it possible for pantries across our network to serve thousands of families every month.

Whether you can give a few hours once or volunteer regularly, your time makes a difference.

Sign up through VicNet or email [email protected] to get started today!

What a wonderful morning celebrating Cleveland’s emerging leaders! 💚🍏

Hunger Network team was proud to attend Engage! Cleveland’s 26 in 26 Awards Breakfast on June 11 in support of Emma Messett, our Hunger Relief Program Director, and Daa’iyah Rahman, Hunger Network Associate Board Member.

The breakfast recognized emerging professionals making a meaningful impact across the Cleveland region through leadership, professional achievement, and civic engagement — and it was a joy to celebrate Emma, Daa’iyah, and all of this year’s honorees in person.

A special shoutout to Hageo, our Summer on the Cuyahoga intern, who joined us for the celebration!

Congratulations again to all of this year’s 26 in 26 honorees. ✨

That’s so fetch — and for a great cause. 💗

Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland is excited to partner with Beck Center for the Arts during their production of Mean Girls, running July 10–August 9, 2026.

Together, we’re collecting hygiene and household essentials to help neighbors facing hardship access the basic items every household needs.

🧼 Most needed items include:
Baby and adult diapers
Toothpaste, deodorant, soap, body wash, shampoo, and conditioner
Toilet paper and paper towels
Laundry and dish detergents
Household cleaning supplies

💚 Learn more, buy tickets, and support the drive here:
https://runsignup.com/beckcentermeangirls

Volunteers Needed Thursday! 💚
Hunger Network’s MidTown Market Pantry needs volunteer help this Thursday.
Lend a hand, support pantry operations, and help neighbors facing hunger get the food and resources they need.
Interested in helping? Send us a DM or email us at [email protected]!
🍏💚

We love seeing our team connected to important conversations happening across the food rescue community. 🌱

Jen England, Hunger Network’s Food Rescue Interim Director of TANF Special Partnerships and Founder & Co-Chair of the National Food Recovery Association, attended the 2026 ReFED Food Waste Solutions Summit alongside partners and changemakers working to reduce food waste and strengthen food recovery efforts.

From reconnecting with partners to meeting others who share this mission, Jen’s time at ReFED was a reminder that this work is deeply human — built on relationships, collaboration, and a shared commitment to getting good food to people who need it most.

✨ Congratulations to Hunger Network Associate Board Member Daa’iyah Rahman on these well-deserved recognitions! 💚🍏

Daa’iyah has been named one of Engage! Cleveland's 26 in 26 honorees, recognizing emerging professionals helping shape the future of Cleveland through leadership, professional achievement, and civic involvement.

And tonight, she’ll also be honored as part of the Black Professionals Association Charitable Foundation’s 2026 Forty Under 40 Emerging Legends class — celebrating changemakers making a meaningful impact across Northeast Ohio.

As Engagement Manager at Open Doors Academy, Daa’iyah is passionate about building connections between families, schools, and communities to help students thrive. Her leadership, dedication to service, and commitment to community continue to make an impact across Greater Cleveland.

A Howard University alum and Crain’s Cleveland 40 Under 40 honoree, Daa’iyah brings incredible leadership and perspective to Hunger Network, and we’re proud to celebrate her accomplishments.

Join us in congratulating Daa’iyah!

What a day! 🍏💚

More than 1,000 people signed up to join us at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo for our 38th Annual Walk & 5K Run for Hunger, where we enjoyed beautiful weather, amazing energy, and a community that showed up in a big way. 👟☀️💚

Thank you to every participant, volunteer, sponsor, donor, and supporter who made the Walk & 5K Run for Hunger such a success.

Together, we’re building a stronger, more food-secure community. 🍏