Students will help pack produce for the 11th Annual Mentor School Food Market on April 25th. He had over 100,000 pounds of produce distributed at the event at the market. (Courtesy of Joe Grabban)
Although the Mentor School Food Market has been inactive for a long time, it continues to fight hunger and support those in need in our community.
In less than a year since its launch, the food market has donated more than 108,000 pounds of produce and helped 7,000 residents.
The 11th annual market was held in front of Mentor High School's Jerome T. Osborn Sr. Stadium on April 25th, with over 11,000 pounds of produce distributed in one day and record attendance, including 430 households. I was able to record the number. 490 children, 496 adults, 358 seniors (over 60 years of age), and 152 families with students participated from within the district.
The Mentor School Food Market distributed over 100,000 pounds of produce to area families during its 11th annual event on April 25th. (Courtesy of Joe Grabban)
Through 11 events, the market distributed 108,059 pounds of fresh food to 2,789 families, supporting 3,483 children, 3,921 adults, and 1,988 seniors.
Joe Grabban, director of workforce development at Mentor School, credits the support of volunteers, including Cardinal Works students, National Honor Society members, marketing and business administration students, district administrators and staff, for making this possible. United Way Lake County and community members said it made the milestone even more special.
“Mentor Public Schools is working hard to address hunger and is providing food distribution through the Mentor Food Market Initiative,” said Dione Demitro, President and CEO of United Way of Lake County. We should all be proud of our remarkable achievement in reaching the £100,000 milestone.” “This milestone is more than just a number, it is a testament to their unwavering dedication to serving our community.
“Every pound of food distributed represents a family being fed, a child's hunger alleviated, and a community strengthened,” she added. “We are thrilled to partner with them in this effort. We are very proud and look forward to continuing to work together to fight hunger.”
Gini Vaccaro, Supervisor of School Nutrition Services for Mentor School, said the market is a great opportunity for staff and students to work with community partners and families to provide fresh fruit and vegetables.
“I am proud of our community and how we are all working together to make a difference to help families,” Vaccaro said.
Thanks to continued support from Heinen's and other local organizations, the 12th annual food market will be held on May 23rd, and the one-year anniversary event will be held on June 27th.