Cleveland Clinic Commits $50M to Food Access; Columbus Measles Exposure Advisory Issued
Cleveland, OH – March 9, 2026 – Cleveland Clinic pledged $50M to fight hunger as Ohio officials warned of measles exposure tied to Columbus airport.
Cleveland Clinic announced a five-year, $50 million commitment to expand access to nutritious food across the communities it serves, including Northeast Ohio, positioning food security as a core health priority. The announcement comes as Ohio health officials also monitor measles activity in central Ohio tied to a recent airport exposure.
Cleveland Clinic Announces $50 Million Hunger Initiative
The health system said the funding will support food banks and community-based organizations, with an emphasis on multi-year stability for partners working on food access. In Northeast Ohio, the Greater Cleveland Food Bank is among the organizations expected to benefit.
Cleveland Clinic framed the pledge as part of its broader strategy addressing social drivers of health. Reliable access to nutritious food is linked to long-term health outcomes, particularly for patients managing chronic conditions. The five-year structure is intended to provide predictable support for local food distribution infrastructure.
State Issues Measles Exposure Advisory at Columbus Airport
Separately, the Ohio Department of Health warned of a potential measles exposure at John Glenn International Airport in Columbus during a specified evening time window in mid-February. The advisory follows confirmation of measles cases in Franklin County, primarily involving young children.
While the exposure site is outside Greater Cleveland, the notice is relevant for residents who traveled through the airport or had close contact with travelers during the monitoring period. State health officials have said vaccinated individuals are considered at very low risk. Contact tracing has been underway in central Ohio.
What Residents Should Know
Cleveland residents who may have traveled through the Columbus airport during the identified time frame can review guidance from the Ohio Department of Health and monitor for symptoms within the timeframe outlined by officials. Those with questions about vaccination records or exposure concerns are encouraged to consult their healthcare provider.
Locally, Cleveland Clinic’s new funding commitment may translate into expanded food access programs and partnerships in the region over the coming years, particularly through established food bank networks.
If you have urgent symptoms, seek medical care. For general questions, talk with a licensed clinician.
