The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Chamber, J’s Pizza Market team up
Eatery collecting food for disadvantaged youth, gofundme page established
An eatery is collecting food for disadvantaged youth, and a gofundme page has been established.
Jon Kelley of J’s Pizza Market in Mentor is among the many people finding some bare grocery store shelves since the coronavirus manifested in the area.
That got him thinking about those in need, and he wanted to make a difference during this difficult time.
To that end, he has partnered with the Mentor Area Chamber of Commerce to try to help provide food for the estimated 2,000-plus children served by Mentor School District’s free and reduced meal program.
On his behalf, the Chamber created a gofundme page raising funds for food for the children. He also is offering an incentive to donate food at his eatery, at 7404 Center St. Everyone who drops off kid-friendly, nonperishable items there will get $5 off a large specialty pizza.
“It’s for kids on their economically challenged list,” Kelley said. “During the day they can drive up to the school, get their food and drive away.”
He also intends to donate a “ton of gift certificates so people can come in and get food throughout the time that schools are closed.”
“We’re going to try and do as much as we can,” he said.
Money from the gofundme account will be used to purchase directly from his suppliers so the items won’t come off local grocery shelves. The donations are tax-deductible.
As of March 23, more than $1,000 had been raised toward the $3,000 goal.
“The collection is going great, but we need more help,” Kelley said, noting the large number of kids served. “This is such a great community. It always warms my heart as to how generous people can be.
“We are going to keep collecting as long as the schools are out and they are providing lunches to families that need it.”
Joining the effort is Mentor United Methodist Church, which has a food pantry.
“This extra food will go directly to the family and students that most need it,” said Chamber President and CEO Christine WeberBresky, in the gofundme appeal.
Non-canned goods are preferred.
“We are collecting some canned, but because they are a bit heavier and harder to handle, the school asked that we limit the amount of canned goods we collect,” Kelley said.
J’s Pizza Market has been a staple in the community for more than 20 years and was voted best pizza in Mentor in 2016. It features more than 30 takeand-bake specialty pizzas as well as those cooked on-site, plus salads, sandwiches and catering. The restaurant remains open for carryout.
“It’s a very unusual time,” he said. “Both our catering business and our lunch business have disappeared. Our pizza business in the evening has been great! It’s been very hard to plan, but we are very blessed to be open and serving our customers.”
Meanwhile, the school district continues to feed students that are part of the free and reduced lunch program. This service, which began March 23, provides grab-and-go style breakfast and lunch.
“Right now, we are offering pickup Monday through Friday from 9 to 11 a.m.,” said spokeswoman Kristen Kirby, noting that the schedule may evolve as needed.
“We know many people’s circumstances are changing due to the orders surrounding coronavirus, so folks who think they may now qualify for free and reduced lunch can still fill out the application.”
The application can be accessed by going to their parent portal, clicking on “more” and then “meal benefits.” Questions can be directed to our Nutrition Services supervisor Ginni Vaccaro at Vaccaro@mentorschools.org.
“Our Nutrition Services team has really stepped up to the plate to help our community and we are so proud of them,” Kirby said. “We are grateful for their work in making sure our students are still able to receive meals during this stressful time for everyone.”