Nourish Our Neighbors 'Give & Get Back' Donation Drive Begins

Press release from Greater Cleveland Aquarium:

Oct. 19, 2020

One in ten American households struggled to put food on the table before COVID-19, according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture. Pandemic-related unemployment isn’t improving food insecurity. Greater Cleveland Aquarium is encouraging those in a position to help Northeast Ohioans in need to give to the Nourish Our Neighbors Donation Drive. The first 200 people who make a suggested donation of $5 or more to the Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland via the Aquarium’s website (www.greaterclevelandaquarium.com/event/nourish-our-neighbors) between October 19 and November 8, 2020, will receive a “thank you” voucher for $10 Aquarium admission (limit 1; redeemable for 4 adult or child guests for a single visit between October 19 and November 8, 2020, 10am – 4pm with advance reservations). If there are more than 200 donors, the Aquarium will issue $5 off coupons.

Those interested in dropping off non-perishable food items such as boxes of oatmeal, rice, pasta and canned beans can gift their items at the Redeemer Center (2970 W. 30th Street, Cleveland, OH 44113; limit 1; redeemable for 4 guests for a single visit between October 19 and November 8, 2020, 10am – 4pm with advance reservations) on Thursdays, October 22 and 29, 10am- 2pm. All Nourish Our Neighbor donors at any level will be entered for a chance to win a 20-minute online Q+A with a member of the animal care team AND a customized virtual Aquarium greeting OR a Greater Cleveland Aquarium family pass.

“By encouraging online donations to the Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland, we’re able to expand our annual Hunger Network drive and broaden the opportunity for our friends, partners and guests to help address basic needs in our community during an incredibly challenging year,” says Aquarium GM Stephanie White. “Issuing discount admission vouchers and other prizes to donors is our small way of recognizing those who are able to contribute to such an important cause.” Over the past six years, the drive (formerly called Touchdown for Hunger) has brought in thousands of non-perishable items and more than $5,000 in contributions for the Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland.

The Hunger Network’s 72 Hunger Centers and Food Rescue initiative enabled Cuyahoga County’s largest emergency food provider to deliver 3.2 million healthy meals last year alone. “We pay for ninety-five percent of the food we distribute,” explains Julie M. Johnson, Chief Executive Officer for the Hunger Network. “Generous contributions are vital for us to keep up with the increased need for emergency food assistance, especially in the wake of COVID-19.”

For questions about donating, contact the Greater Cleveland Aquarium at 216.862.8803 or visit greaterclevelandaquarium.com. For more information on the Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland visit hungernetwork.org.

This press release was produced by Greater Cleveland Aquarium. The views expressed here are the author's own.