History
The Interchurch Council of Greater Cleveland created the Hunger Taskforce over 40 years ago due to cuts in public welfare programs and the national recession. The two-person staff focused on addressing the increasing need for emergency food for children in Cuyahoga County.
In 1995, the Hunger Taskforce became an independent organization renamed Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland. Headquartered in Downtown Cleveland,
the Network has expanded services to families, men,
women, children and the elderly. In 2018, we broadened our services to make a bigger impact in reducing food insecurity and promoting environmental sustainability by launching Hunger Network Food Rescue.
Dana Irribarren was the founding Executive Director of Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland, advocating against local hunger since 1977. She served the organization for
nearly 40 years, managing the staff, dedicated Board of Trustees, and our selfless hunger center volunteers;
this was her mission and her passion.
The Interchurch Council of Greater Cleveland created the Hunger Taskforce over 40 years ago due to cuts in public welfare programs and the national recession. The two-person staff focused on addressing the increasing need for emergency food for children in Cuyahoga County.
In 1995, the Hunger Taskforce became an independent organization renamed Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland. Headquartered in Downtown Cleveland, the Network has expanded services to families, men, women, children and the elderly. In 2018, we broadened our services to make a bigger impact in reducing food insecurity and promoting environmental sustainability by launching Hunger Network Food Rescue.
Dana Irribarren was the founding Executive Director of Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland, advocating against local hunger since 1977. She served the organization for nearly 40 years, managing the staff, dedicated Board of Trustees, and our selfless hunger center volunteers; this was her mission and her passion.
Dana Irribarren,
Executive Director Emeritus
We are deeply saddened to have lost the Hunger Network Executive Director, Dana Irribarren on Wednesday, October 14, 2015. Dana’s incredible strength and endless compassion, spirit and energy were the driving force behind Hunger Network’s mission of service to all those in need.
As founding Executive Director, Dana devoted her life to uplifting our city’s underserved by her great vision and huge heart. Her life’s passion and leadership were dedicated to disrupting the root causes of poverty, hunger and health. Under her direction, the organization grew from a small network of eight pantries into a countywide operation.
For three decades, Dana fought to bridge the divide between what she saw as Cleveland’s two cities: those benefiting in the prosperity of our society and those caught in a cycle of inequality. Her lasting contribution to all of us is Hunger Network, an organization that serves thousands every day from nearly 100 locations.
Our city, county and world are immeasurably better because of Dana.
Dana Irribarren,
Executive Director Emeritus
We are deeply saddened to have lost the Hunger Network Executive Director, Dana Irribarren on Wednesday, October 14, 2015. Dana’s incredible strength and endless compassion, spirit and energy were the driving force behind Hunger Network’s mission of service to all those in need.
As founding Executive Director, Dana devoted her life to uplifting our city’s underserved by her great vision and huge heart. Her life’s passion and leadership were dedicated to disrupting the root causes of poverty, hunger and health. Under her direction, the organization grew from a small network of eight pantries into a countywide operation.
For three decades, Dana fought to bridge the divide between what she saw as Cleveland’s two cities: those benefiting in the prosperity of our society and those caught in a cycle of inequality. Her lasting contribution to all of us is Hunger Network, an organization that serves thousands every day from nearly 100 locations.
Our city, county and world are immeasurably better because of Dana.