Catholic Charities Prepares to Deliver 12,000 Free Easter Meals to Community Members in Need

Posted March 28, 2025

Individuals and families encouraged to register now for holiday meal home delivery on April 20

CLEVELAND, OHIO – March 28, 2025 – Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland, is preparing to make and distribute 12,000 holiday meals this April through its annual Easter meals campaign. Volunteers and staff will provide free meals to the community through on-site service and free home delivery throughout greater Cleveland.

“Hunger threatens the life and dignity of everyone it affects,” said Eric Milkie, director of emergency assistance services. “As the costs of goods and services continue to rise, individuals and families who already face food insecurity will have an exceptionally hard time finding their next meal. Serving this holiday meal is just one way Catholic Charities works to address unmet needs across greater Cleveland, ease the burden of hunger and create a hopeful, caring community.”

Barons Bus, Northern Haserot, and local parishes annually contribute generous food donations and volunteerism to Catholic Charities’ Easter meals campaign.

To receive a home-delivered meal on April 20

Community members interested in receiving free home-delivered holiday meals are asked to register now by calling 216-377-3725 or emailing holidays@ccdocle.org. Required information includes: name, phone number, address, zip code and the number of meals requested.

Catholic Charities is accepting meal delivery reservations until 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16. If capacity is reached, orders may be closed earlier. Delivery will take place on Sunday, April 20, between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

To receive a meal in person at the Bishop Cosgrove Center

Community members are also invited to visit the Bishop Cosgrove Center for a special holiday meal service on April 20. Easter meals will be provided from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on-site at 1736 Superior Ave., Cleveland, OH 44114. In addition to serving the individuals and families who visit the Bishop Cosgrove Center, Catholic Charities will also be providing hot meals for distribution through approximately 20 community partners that support individuals in need in surrounding communities.

To serve as a volunteer

Catholic Charities organizes hundreds of volunteers annually to assist with the special holiday meal services and the delivery of meals out into the community.

Individuals who would like to volunteer for Easter 2025 can visit ccdocle.org/holidaymeals to view and sign up for available opportunities. Registration is required to volunteer and closes on April 18.

Individuals and families across Northeast Ohio can also join in making a monetary gift at ccdocle.org/donate. Learn more about Catholic Charities’ community hot meals provided year-round at sites across Cuyahoga, Lorain and Summit counties at ccdocle.org.

ABOUT Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland:

As one of the largest comprehensive health and human services organizations in the region, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland, carries out the healing and helping mission of Jesus across Northeast Ohio. Catholic Charities delivers more than 150 services at 60 locations to 400,000 individuals each year – providing help and creating hope for people of every race and religion throughout eight counties (Ashland, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Summit and Wayne). For more information, visit www.ccdocle.org.

Media contact: Rebecca Gallant, 216.318.0518, rebecca.gallant@ccdocle.org