Auburn Career Center Food Market Surpasses 130,000 Pounds of Fresh Food Distributed
In less than one year, the Auburn Career Center Food Market has reached an extraordinary milestone, distributing more than 130,000 pounds of fresh food and produce to families and community members throughout the region.
Launched in October 2025, the Auburn Food Market was created to help address food insecurity while providing Auburn students and staff with meaningful opportunities to serve their community. Just 11 months later, the program has distributed an astounding 131,531 pounds of food.
During that time, the market has served 2,032 families and 6,545 individuals, including 2,148 children, 2,656
adults and 1,741 senior citizens.
“The numbers are incredible, but what matters most are the people behind those numbers,” said Dr. Joe Glavan, Superintendent of Auburn Career Center. “More than 6,500 people have been impacted by this effort in less than a year. That speaks to both the need that exists in our community and the incredible generosity and commitment of the people who have stepped forward to help.”
The Food Market has also become an important extension of Auburn Career Center's educational mission. Students have opportunities to assist with distributions and see firsthand how service can strengthen a community.
“At Auburn, we talk a lot about preparing students for careers and for their futures, but our responsibility goes beyond technical skills,” Glavan said. “We want our students to understand the importance of service over self—that being successful also means looking for opportunities to help others. The Food Market gives our students a chance to see the impact they can make when they use their time and talents to serve their community.”
The market is overseen by Adult Workforce Director Michelle Rodewald, along with Justine Malvicino and Dawn Bubonic, whose work has helped turn the initiative into a significant community resource.
“Reaching 130,000 pounds in just 11 months is something we are incredibly proud of,” Rodewald said. “But this milestone is really about the people who make each distribution possible—our staff, students, volunteers and community partners. Every month, we see firsthand how much these distributions mean to the families who come through our doors.”
A key partner in the Auburn Food Market’s success has been the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, which provides fresh produce and other food distributed to community members each month. Auburn also recognizes the Eastern Lake County Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Lake County, Heinen's and Discount Drug Mart of Concord Township for their support in helping the Food Market grow and connect with local families.
“The Greater Cleveland Food Bank has been an incredible partner in making this possible,” Glavan said. "Reaching more than 6,500 people and distributing over 130,000 pounds of food in just 11 months would not have been possible without their support. We are tremendously grateful for their commitment to our community and for helping Auburn connect fresh, nutritious food with the people who need it.”
Monthly distributions have provided approximately 12,000 pounds of food on average, with November's distribution reaching more than 14,300 pounds. A special pop-up distribution served 359 families, representing 1,241 people, in a single event.
For Auburn Career Center, the milestone represents more than the amount of food distributed—it reflects the school’s commitment to supporting the community.
“This program is really about neighbors helping neighbors,” Glavan said. “I am incredibly proud that Auburn can be a place where our community comes together—not only to prepare people for successful careers, but to take care of one another. That is what being Team Auburn is all about.”
As the Auburn Career Center Food Market moves into its second year, the school remains committed to growing the program, strengthening community partnerships and continuing to provide fresh food to those who need it.
By the Numbers — October 2025 through August 2026
● 131,531 pounds of food distributed
● 2,032 families served
● 6,545 people served
● 2,148 children served
● 2,656 adults served
● 1,741 seniors served