About the Produce Center
The Center operates out of the former LCCAA Bike Shop at 204 W. 10th Street in Lorain. We are open to anyone in Lorain County living at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level ($62,400 annually for a family of four in 2023).
Our produce center is not intended to meet all of your household’s nutritional needs.
As a pantry, we focus on helping with fresh food options to stretch your food budget and encourage better health.
Produce items are intended for eating within three to five days as recipe items for homecooked meals, packed lunches, healthy snacks, and as a way to make your food more delicious. Additional shelf-stable items such as rice and beans will round out your meals.
Our center has coolers and offers refrigerated items as well as a limited selection of frozen items. Our focus is on fresh and canned produce with the intention of bringing in more and more fresh items as the center grows.
How to Place Your Order
The LCCAA Produce Center uses Feeding America’s online order system, Order Ahead. You can find the link to the system on our website.
1. The first time you order, you will need to create a free account using an email address and password.
2. You will have a choice of email, text, phone or a combination of all three for receiving reminders about your orders
3. You must enter the ZIP Code 44052 in order to find our Produce Center on the ordering system’s welcome page.
4. You will choose your appointment time first, then select the size box you need.
5. When you click “Checkout” you will have an opportunity to review your order and all the details. You will need to confirm your order to complete it.
6. You will immediately receive confirmation using the contact method you chose during your registration. Registration only happens with your first order.
7. You will receive additional notifications 24 hours and 2 hours before your scheduled pick-up time. It is important to be on time.
8. You will not be asked and are not required to pay.
You will be asked some questions about your food situation and your household. Not all questions will be asked every time you place an order.
Picking Up Your Order
1. Make sure your trunk is empty or there is room in your backseat for your order.
2. Follow all posted signs and staff instructions.
3. STAY IN YOUR CAR. Staff will place your order in your car.
4. Please approach the Produce Center using Reid Avenue and West 10th Street rather than cutting through the LCCAA parking lot at 936 Broadway Ave.
5. You will not need to provide any proof of income. You are responsible for being honest about your eligibility.
6. Space is limited. Please arrive no earlier than five minutes before your appointment time.
7. If you are late for your appointment, you may be asked to park and wait while staff serve others.
Appointment Times Matter
Our program is strictly designed and staffed around appointment times. We understand being limited to a specific pickup time may not work for everyone.
After two late shows of more than an hour and/or two no shows, you will be referred to a different pantry.
Weekly Service
Many pantries and cupboards limit the number of times you can get food monthly. Our service may be used every week if you choose. This increases the chances you will use the produce you order before it loses its freshness. It also encourages regularly making home-cooked meals for improved nutrition and health.
