The Cleveland Kosher Food Pantry received a new food truck from the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, which is being called “transformative,” according to Muriel Weber, Cleveland Kosher Food Pantry board chair. A ceremony to receive the truck was held June 30 at the food pantry’s new location at 4090 Mayfield Road in South Euclid.
“The truck is a demonstration of our tremendous partnership with the GCFB,” Weber told the Cleveland Jewish News. “The Cleveland Kosher Food Pantry will be able to expand its service.”
The Cleveland Kosher Food Pantry previously owned one truck and plans to replace it with the new, refrigerated vehicle.
“We know we are nothing without our partners,” Greater Cleveland Food Bank President and CEO Kristin Warzocha said at the event. “This is the first truck like this.”
Warzocha gave opening remarks, which were then followed by state Rep. Eric Synenburg from Beachwood and state Sen. Kent Smith from Euclid. They spoke about the American Rescue Plan Act funding which allowed the donation to occur.
Sarah Yaffe Alevsky, executive director of the Cleveland Kosher Food Pantry and Weber expressed appreciation and then concluded the event with a key handoff to celebrate the new truck.
“This partnership is incredible, this truck is great, it allows more deliveries throughout the community” Synenberg said at the event. “The need for food and food security is so great in our community.”
Synenberg presented Alevsky with a congratulatory commendation.
When referring to food security, state Sen. Kent Smith of Euclid said at the event, “The need is great” and there is “a crisis of affordability and a crisis of opportunity”
Local residents visit the Cleveland Kosher Food Pantry every Wednesdays and Thursdays to pick up food. The food pantry has drive-throughs two times a week, and also offers home distribution to seniors and low-income housing.
The food pantry serves about 6,000 people every month, Alevsky and Weber said.
“This truck is exciting because it’s going to be ours, we’re gonna be able to use it, its refrigerated, its bigger and it allows us to continue to serve our people” Alevsky told the CJN. “We’re not only receiving a vehicle, but are extending our ability to serve. The Greater Cleveland Food Bank is much more than just a source of food for use. They are a true partner in every sense of the word.”
The refrigerated truck will be used to transport food to buildings for drop-off and also for transporting goods back to their main location.
Liam Koeth is the Linda and Clifford Wolf Editorial Intern at the Cleveland Jewish News.