May 18, 2026 – Cleveland Clinic is investing in the health of Northeast Ohio’s youngest residents with a $1.25 million donation to Children’s Hunger Alliance (CHA), expanding access to nutritious meals and food education for preschoolers in eight counties. Leaders from Cleveland Clinic presented a ceremonial check during the organization’s Side by Side fundraiser held on May 14 at Music Box Supper Club.
According to Feeding America, nearly one in five Ohio children live with the daily uncertainty of not knowing where their next meal will come from. Food insecurity is particularly devastating for young children, as the first five years are a critical window for growth. Hunger at this age can lead to long-term developmental delays and a weakened immune system.
To address this need, CHA served 10.1 million meals in 2025 to 125,000 children in 74 Ohio counties across all of its program areas.
CHA partners with almost 670 in-home providers and 100 childcare centers statewide to deliver healthy meals and nutrition education to preschoolers in need. By focusing on this age group, Cleveland Clinic and CHA are helping children build a strong nutritional foundation before kindergarten.
Cleveland Clinic’s contribution will help CHA:
- Expand its Weekend Meals program, providing meals and fresh produce to an additional 350 children in need
- Reach 2,100 more children with Nutrition Education services
- Introduce healthy dinners for children staying in childcare beyond breakfast and lunch hours