Posted December 03, 2025
Community encouraged to register for meals and support the effort through volunteering
CLEVELAND, OHIO – December 3, 2025 – Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland, will prepare and deliver 12,000 free Christmas meals to individuals and families across Northeast Ohio on Thursday, December 25. As food insecurity continues to rise, the holiday meal program ensures thousands of neighbors receive a hot, home-cooked meal and connection to the broader support Catholic Charities offers all year long.
Catholic Charities will provide meals free to the community both on-site at St. Augustine Hunger Center and through free home delivery thanks to volunteers across greater Cleveland.
The Christmas meal program is possible thanks to generous partnership from Barons Bus, Barons Hockey, Northern Haserot and local parishes.
"We saw an overwhelming turnout for our Thanksgiving meals and other food assistance this fall,” said Jim Mullen, local president & CEO, Catholic Charities. “Food insecurity rates in Cleveland are higher this year than they were during the height of the pandemic. Our community has tremendous need for these basic resources, and we are here to offer home-cooked Christmas meals, prepared and delivered with the love and joy of the season.”
Preparing and delivering 12,000 meals is a major community-wide effort. Catholic Charities is seeking volunteers to assist with packing meals, delivering boxes and conducting the meal service, as well as welcoming monetary gifts to help sustain food assistance across the region during and beyond the holidays. Volunteers can sign up for the Christmas season at ccdocle.org/holidays.
Register today to receive a home-delivered meal on December 25
Individuals and families wishing to receive a free home-delivered meal on Thursday, December 25, can register now by calling 216-377-3725. Required information includes name, phone number, address and number of meals requested.
Registration will remain open until all 12,000 meals are requested, or until noon on Friday, December 19. Meals will be delivered on Thursday, December 25, between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Join the Christmas meal service at St. Augustine Hunger Center
Community members are invited to enjoy an in-person holiday meal at St. Augustine Hunger Center (1400 Howard Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113) on Thursday, December 25, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Catholic Charities will also serve hot meals at 15 community partner agencies that support individuals in need in surrounding communities.
To support Catholic Charities:
Individuals and families across Northeast Ohio can make monetary gifts at ccdocle.org/holidays.
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 Northeast Ohio’s largest health and human service nonprofit organizations, Catholic Charities provides help and creates hope for people of every race and religion across eight counties: Ashland, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Summit and Wayne. All services are rooted in the belief that every person is made in God’s image. Our programs help the individuals and families we serve — especially those living in poverty — reach their full potential. To learn more, visit ccdocle.org.
Media contact: Tanya Reynolds, 440.596.0597, tanya.reynolds@ccdocle.org
Part of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland
