Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland, will prepare and deliver 12,000 free Christmas meals to individuals and families across Northeast Ohio on Christmas Day, Dec. 25. As food insecurity continues to rise, the holiday meal program ensures thousands will receive a hot, home-cooked meal and connection to the broader support Catholic Charities offers all year long.
Catholic Charities will provide meals free to the community both on-site at St. Augustine Hunger Center in Cleveland’s Tremont neighborhood and through free home delivery, thanks to volunteers across Greater Cleveland.
The Christmas meal program is possible because of partnerships with Barons Bus, Barons Hockey, Northern Haserot and local parishes in the diocese.
“We saw an overwhelming turnout for our Thanksgiving meals and other food assistance this fall,” said Jim Mullen, president and CEO, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland. “Food insecurity rates in Cleveland are higher this year than they were during the height of the pandemic. Our community has tremendous need for these basic resources, and we are here to offer home-cooked Christmas meals, prepared and delivered with the love and joy of the season.”
Preparing and delivering 12,000 meals is a major community-wide effort. Catholic Charities is seeking volunteers to assist with packing meals, delivering boxes and conducting the meal service, as well as welcoming monetary gifts to help sustain food assistance across the region
Individuals and families wishing to receive a free home-delivered meal on Christmas should register by calling 216-377-3725. Required information includes name, phone number, address and the number of meals requested.
Meal registration will remain open until all 12,000 meals are requested, or until noon on Dec.19. Meals will be delivered between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Dec. 25.
In addition, community members are invited to enjoy an in-person holiday meal from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Christmas Day at St. Augustine Hunger Center, 1400 Howard Ave., Cleveland.
Catholic Charities will also serve hot meals on Christmas at 15 community partner agencies that support individuals in need in surrounding communities.
Donations to help support the ministries of Catholic Charities, including the holiday meal program, are welcome. Click here to make a secure, online donation.
Catholic Charities offers community hot meals year-round at sites across Cuyahoga, Lorain and Summit counties.
Click here to learn more about the spectrum of services offered by Catholic Charities throughout the eight counties of the Cleveland Diocese.