Reference/Find lists for other counties in Ohio here: mofc.org/food-assistance-by-county
FreshTrak (comprehensive local tool to find food pantries): freshtrak.com
This community service center provides various free programs for residents of Delaware County. Programs include free takeaway dinners, a legal clinic, a mobile food market, and free summer lunch program for children under 18. Find program details online.
39 West Winter Street, Delaware, Ohio 43015
(740) 369-4520
andrewshouse.org
Faith-based organization out of Broad Street Presbyterian Church. Provides fresh produce, dairy, protein and shelf stable food once every 30 days to all eligible neighbors. They also host regular farmers markets. The COMPASS program provides financial assistance for rent and utilities for those that qualify.
760 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 908-3901 or (614) 908-0839
bspc.org/foodpantry
Provides free, hot meals on Wednesday evenings. Call their office for more information.
501 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 221-4571
broadstreetumc.net
Provides a variety of social service programs to residents in Canal Winchester, those living in the Bloom Carroll School District, Lithopolis, and underserved rural areas of Fairfield County. Programs include a community food pantry, emergency assistance for rent/mortage or utilities, senior transportation and social programming, and child loss grief support group.
80 Covenant Way, Canal Winchester, Ohio 43110
(614) 834-4700
cwhumanservices.org
A faith-based agency serving families and seniors in central and southern Ohio. Provides case management, food, and emergency assistance. They offer supportive services and community-impact opportunities for low-income seniors. The Our Lady of Guadalupe Center serves the Latino/Hispanic community on the West side of Columbus with a food pantry, ESL classes, legal and immigration consultations and referrals, and comprehensive case management.
A neighborhood-based community center that serves the near east and near south neighborhoods of Columbus, Ohio. Programs for families include soft skills training, employment assistance, financial education training, emergency housing/rent assistance, nutrition programs, utility services, health care, parenting workshops and more. They partner with Columbus Early Learning Centers to provide childcare. Programs for youth include after-school, summer day camp for kids ages 5-13, and the TRANSIT ARTS center which provides free music and art classes. Village Central Senior Program helps adults ages 60 and older maintain independence and combat isolation by providing transportation services, wellness programs, home repairs, organized social events, community engagement and more. They also have a business training program called ACE, Academy for Community Entrepreneurs.
1150 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
Front Desk/Intake: (614) 252-3157
Village Central Senior Program: (614) 545-2703
TRANSIT ARTS: (614) 732-0198
cchouse.org
Works with schools, community organizations, faith-based groups and child care providers throughout Ohio to increase participation in USDA child nutrition programs. Contact their office for help finding childcare centers, after school programs, weekend programs, and summer programs that offer free food for kids.
1105 Schrock Road, Columbus, Ohio 43229
(614) 341-7700
childrenshungeralliance.org
14 West Lakeview Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43202
(614) 268-8118
clintonvillecrc.org
A faith-based organization that serves the underserved and homeless in Central Ohio. They serve hot breakfasts and dinners at their Short North location. The afterschool program for elementary school students includes a meal, homework help, tutoring, Bible study, and fun activities at multiple locations. They also host Saturday programs for children kindergarten through 5th grade, and Bible study small groups for middle schoolers. Their Hilliard location hosts the Grace Medical Clinic where they provide free medical appointments.
Pride Centers are one-stop shops for city services, dedicated to protecting the health, safety and welfare of families living in the area. These centers house basic city services in one place, which include the Neighborhood Social Workers. Call first to make an appointment.
Main Columbus Public Health Neighborhood Social Work Helpline: (614) 645-6807
Columbus Department of Neighborhoods Office: (614) 645-1993
new.columbus.gov
Westside Neighborhood Pride Center
1186 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43222
(614) 724-2033
franklinton.org
The Reeb Center
280 Reed Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43207
(614) 468-9280
reebcenter.org
Near East Pride Center
1393 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 645-7343
North Neighborhood Pride Center
248 East Eleventh Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201
(614) 645-5220
Far East Pride Center
2500 Park Crescent Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43232
(614) 724-0100
These neighborhood resource lists are extremely helpful in finding resources near you. They provide detailed listings of free and low cost health care, vision care, dental care, prescription help, food pantries, transportation, job help, transportation, pregnancy resources and much more. They are updated frequently and reviewed by the Columbus Public Health social work team. Please note that CPH does not provide direct monetary assistance, but these lists are helpful in finding community agencies that do provide this assistance.
240 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 645-7417
Columbus Public Health Neighborhood Social Work Helpline: (614) 645-6807
https://new.columbus.gov/Services/Public-Health
Provides free breakfast and lunch throughout Columbus from June to August. Youth ages 1 to 18 and youth with disabilities age 19 to 21 are eligible. Families in need can call 866-3-HUNGRY (Español: 877-8-HAMBRE) or text 914-342-7744 with a question that contains a keyword such as “food,” “summer,” “meals,” etc. and receive a text back that will show free meal sites closest to them. Some Community Recreation Centers serve free afterschool meals for children up through high school seniors, and provide free food boxes for seniors during the rest of the year. Go online or call to find center locations and program details.
Go Lunch: (614) 645-3642
columbus.gov/recreationandparks/programs/Free-Meal-Programs
Community Center Locations & Contact Information: columbusrecparks.com/facilities/communitycenters
This faith-based organization hosts daily Fresh Markets with free produce for families, nutrition education, a Free Store with clothing and household items, after school program at Lincoln Park Elementary, free health and wellness classes, and community events.
Faith-based, non-profit soup kitchen offering free meals, personal care packages, and community events. Call for details.
640 South Ohio Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 252-6428
communitykitchencolumbus.org
facebook.com/communitykitchencolumbus
Serves residents of Dublin (zip codes 43016 and 43017) and all residents who live in the Dublin City School District. They are a walk-in pantry so no referral is required. Visit the website or call for eligibility guidelines.
6608 Dublin Center Drive, Dublin, Ohio 43017
(614) 665-8181
dublinfoodpantry.org
Click below for a list of free meals and food pantries in Fairfield County.
108 West Main Street, Lancaster, Ohio 43130
(740) 687-0500
Crisis Line: (740) 687-8255
fairfieldcounty211.org
Family Adolescent and Child Community Engagement Service (FACCES) is a non-profit providing support for families on the South side of Columbus. Programs include a free fresh market, urban gardening, cooking classes, family fitness classes, access to healthcare through OSU Wexner Medical Center Community Care Coach and family gatherings. FACCES Life Ready Urban Gardening Class is a free, weekly program for youth to learn about how to grow their own food, careers in agriculture, and environmental stewardship. Go online to register for programs and find upcoming events.
2515 Lockbourne Road, Columbus, OH 43207
(614) 319-6070 or (800) 464-0920
thefacces.org
Faith-based nonprofit aiming to end suburban poverty. They offer free youth and adult programming, including a three generation family ESL program, legal clinic, summer camp for children with free breakfast and lunch, and Good Tiding low-cost Christmas store.
Upper Arlington Lutheran Church (UALC) at Mill Run
3500 Mill Run Drive, Hilliard, Ohio 43026
(614) 586-7939
wearefesta.org
Offers faith-based community outreach programs. All are welcome for a free community breakfast on Sunday mornings and for Thursday night dinner and fellowship. They also host a free monthly bike shop. Call or go online for details.
1015 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 252-3191
felccolumbus.com/community
Non-profit network of food pantries across Licking County. Call or use the link below to find produce, hot meals, and pantries in Newark and Licking County.
1035 Brice Street, Newark, Ohio 43055
(740) 344-7401
www.foodpantrynetwork.net/get-food
Provides information about food assistance (Ohio Direction Card / EBT), cash assistance, medical assistance (like Medicaid), job training, emergency assistance (PRC), help with paying for child care and more. Each center serves certain zip codes. People outside of Franklin County should visit their local county Department of Job and Family Services. Refugees and immigrants should apply for services as well.
Call (844) 640-6446 to apply for SNAP/OWF cash assistance/Medicaid benefits
Medical Transportation: (614) 233-2381
Workforce Development: (614) 212-1800
jfs.franklincountyohio.gov
Find Your Local ODJFS Office: jfs.ohio.gov/about/local-agencies-directory
Self-Service Ohio Benefits Portal: benefits.ohio.gov
This urban farm, located West of downtown Columbus, provides connection through farming, gardening, and education. Order online to access affordable, locally-grown produce. Anyone can visit their U-PICK garden to harvest the produce they need, for free. They also train community gardeners in communities experiencing food deserts, post free healthy recipes, provide after-school and recreational programs, and host regular community events, such as community Tea Time every Thursday.
867 West Town Street, Columbus, Ohio 43222
(614) 233-1887
franklintonfarms.org
Are you looking for food near you? Use FreshTrak by typing in your zip code to find food pantries, soup kitchens, food distribution sites and meal programs near you. FreshTrak partners with local food banks (Mid-Ohio Foodbank) to help people find food resources locally.
freshtrak.com
A faith-based organization helping alleviate hunger in the 43230 zip code. Programs include food pantry, diapers, summer lunches for kids, and weekend supplemental food packs for school-aged kids.
161 Granville Street, Gahanna, Ohio 43230
(614) 214-4747
grin4gahanna.org
Settlement house located in Franklinton serving zip codes 43222, 43223, and 43215. Programs include parenting classes, senior outreach, a preschool, youth programming and sports, rent and utility assistance, medical appointments with The Breathing Association, and the Gladden Food Pantry. The food pantry provides home delivery for seniors and disabled residents, and diapers.
Healthy New Albany Food Pantry serves families and individuals living in the New Albany Plain Local School (NAPLS) District or in the 43054 zip code. They offer emergency help for those in immediate need of food. Find open pantry hours on their website or call to schedule an appointment. They also have an English conversation program for Spanish-speakers, and can connect immigrant community members to resources for ESL, healthcare, and more.
150 Main Street, New Albany, Ohio 43054
(614) 413-7907 or (614) 685-6344
newalbanyfoodpantry.org
Español: newalbanyfoodpantry.org/get-food-1
A choice pantry where families from the Greater Reynoldsburg Area can choose from open shelves once per month. Neighbors are served by appointment only. To set up an appointment, call or text (614) 600-6065 and leave a message.
6475 East Main Street, Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068
(614) 600-6065
heart-market.org
This teaching garden is located in the Hilltop neighborhood of Columbus. They offer garden tours, field trip experiences and donation-based produce bags for pick-up. Hilltop families can sign up for a garden bed kit with everything needed to grow an edible garden in their backyard, including access to a Garden Mentor to help get the most from their garden. They also offer Garden Club (a free weekly after-school program for Grades K-6), Green Teens (a paid summer work program for youth ages 14-19) and a low-cost Summer Camp for ages 6-13.
67 South Highland Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43204
(614) 653-8263
Español: (614) 407-4540
highlandyouthgarden.org
Provides eligible individuals with canned and boxed food, bread, produce, and personal care items, as well as utility assistance. Serves residents who live in the Hilliard City School District (zip codes 43026, 43228, 43221, 43016, 43002, 43119, 43204). Transportation is available for seniors.
3691 Main Street Hilliard, Ohio 43026
(614) 363-4159
hilliardfoodpantry.org
Serves those struggling with homelessness and substance use on the west side of Columbus. Services include daily meals and narcan distribution, clothing, documentation/ID assistance, laundry and shower services, cooling and heating stations, and more.
342 North Hague Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43204
(614) 507-3246
jordanscrossingcolumbus.org
facebook.com/jordanscrossingcolumbus
Nonprofit supporting communities with food access, education, and advocacy. Offers in-person and virtual classes to help families shop and cook healthy meals on a budget, hosts community gardens across Columbus, and hosts community gatherings and educational events. Classes are free for all and open to all skill levels. The Veggie Van delivers affordable, fresh produce and other food. Delivery is free for most Columbus neighborhoods, and they accept cash, credit, SNAP/EBT, Produce Perks, and more.
633 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43206
(614) 263-5662
local-matters.org
Program: Non-profit offering a wide range of services for the entire family including; comprehensive primary care, OB/GYN, dental, vision, behavioral health, pharmacy (prescriptions are available at reduced cost), nutrition and spiritual care.
Eligibility: Infants, children and adults
Cost: Government insurance (Medicaid, Medicare), private insurance, sliding fee scale for those without insurance
(614) 274-1455
llchc.org
A faith-based organization serving individuals and families in Columbus. They offer transitional housing for previously incarcerated women, low-income families and individuals, and women struggling with substance use. Their adult mentorship program includes a weekly hot meal, job and finance mentoring, life coaching, and supportive services. They offer homework help, mentoring, and a summer day camp for at-risk youth ages 7-17. The Lower Lights Salon hosts free haircut events, and work training for women who have experienced addiction or incarceration.
Faith-based organization providing a wide range of services across Ohio. Services include Faith Mission homeless shelter, food, health care, affordable senior living and domestic violence help. Visit the website for detailed program information and to find an office near you. The United Way/LSS 211 Information and Referral network can connect you to other social services across Franklin County.
Provides food, clothing, toiletries and hygiene items, emotional support and other resources to veterans, active duty personnel, reservists, military families and survivors.
Headquarters Address: 648 Clymer Road, Suite 113, Marysville, Ohio 43040
(614) 522-1555
mashpantry.org
Links patients to healthy foods needed to manage and improve health. They provide weekly access to fresh produce at participating locations in Franklin County, Ross County and Pickaway County. By enrolling in Farmacy through your healthcare provider, patients have access to weekly produce for their households. Visit the website for contact information.
mofc.org
Delivers food to more than 500 food banks/pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and after school programs in central and eastern Ohio. Their website has information for individuals and families on finding food assistance in Central Ohio, and program eligibility requirements.
3960 Brookham Drive, Grove City, Ohio 43123
(614) 274-3663
mofc.org
A resource for students and community members to access free, fresh, and shelf-stable food on a regular basis. Shoppers must be income eligible. There is no limit to how many times per month eligible shoppers can visit the Market. Visit the website for additional information.
400 Grove Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
cscc.edu/services/mid-ohio-market/index.shtml
Helps individuals sign up for SNAP (formerly known as food stamps) and food assistance. They can screen you over text messaging so you can see if you qualify.
www.mrelief.com
Text ‘FOOD’ to 74544
A charitable organization that helps match families in need with businesses, volunteers, and organizations for resources like food, volunteering, clothing, supplies and more. Use the website to find a Bridge in your community, request help, or fill others’ requests for help.
Food pantry open to all Franklin County zip codes. They also host programs for holiday meals, free tax preparation with American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), back to school backpacks, Christmas toys, and community events. Find program details online.
1950 North Fourth Street, Columbus, Ohio 43201
(614) 297-0592
neighborhoodservicesinc.org
Serves residents of Columbus who live at or below 200% of the federally designated poverty level. Families can visit NNEMAP once per week to receive food pantry items, as well as hygiene items, baby supplies, and holiday gifts as available. They offer locker pick-up options and home delivery for senior citizens or those who medically qualify. Visit their website for pantry hours or to request a locker. Volunteers are welcome.
677 East Eleventh Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43211
(614) 297-0533
nnemappantry.org
Their website offers important information for families and professionals about state food and nutrition programs. Find guidelines for child and adult care food programs, the national school lunch program, summer food programs, and more.
education.ohio.gov/Topics/Other-Resources/Food-and-Nutrition
Find information on assistance programs offered by the state of Ohio. They have cash assistance, several food programs including the Ohio Direction Card/EBT/SNAP and the Ohio EBT Farmers’ Market Program, refugee services, and more.
30 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 466-6282
jfs.ohio.gov/ofam/index.stm
Benefits Portal: benefits.ohio.gov
Farmers’ markets increase access to fresh produce in city neighborhoods and offer healthy, locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables. Use the Ohio Proud website to find Ohio-made products, farmer’s markets, farm markets (usually sell produce on the farm where it was grown), roadside markets, and pick-your-own programs near you. Many of them accept cash, credit card, WIC benefits and the Ohio Direction EBT Card.
ohioproud.org/farm-markets-all/farmers-market-search
This food pantry serves residents of the Pickerington Local School District. Food assistance is provided for households once every 14 days, and each person in a household is given enough food to last the equivalent of five days. It is a choice pantry, meaning it operates much like a grocery store, where clients are given a list of categories from which they are free to choose whatever food they like to correspond with dietary restrictions and preferences. They also provide Thanksgiving holiday meal baskets. Appointments are required. Find details and schedule an appointment on their website.
70 Cross Street, Pickerington, Ohio 43147
(614) 834-0079
pickpantry.com
Dedicated to meeting the nutritional needs of men, women, and children living with HIV/AIDS in central Ohio and their families. Provides daily hot, takeaway meals at Carrie’s Cafe, one-on-one nutrition counseling, home-delivered meals, and emergency meal assistance.
670 Harmon Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43223
(614) 437-2854
lifecarealliance.org/programs/project-openhand
Provides a variety of programs designed to strengthen families on the South Side of Columbus. Services include GED classes, adult education and workforce development, early education child care, youth and family services, in collaboration with community partners (Boys & Girls Club, House of Hope, Southeast Healthcare Services, Godman Guild, St. Stephen’s Community Center, Alvis, Community Development for All People).
280 Reeb Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43207
(614) 468-9280
reebavenuecenter.org
Serves: Single Adults & Families
Offers various faith-based services for Central Ohio families. Housing Services include finding housing, financial assistance, and case management. They also offer programs for youth after-school programming and tutoring, food assistance, emergency utility assistance, support for human trafficking survivors, and addiction recovery. Their thrift stores offer items at bargain prices to fund programs. You can find thrift store, church locations, and program details on their website.
easternusa.salvationarmy.org/southwest-ohio/central-ohio/home
Faith-based, nonprofit organization that partners with Columbus City Schools to provide homework help, after-school programs, and summer day camps for elementary students at Leawood, Lindbergh, Scottwood, and Shady Lane. They also host a middle school group at their community house, and provide families with donated clothing and school supplies. Call for program details.
Community House: 1635 South Hamilton Road, Columbus, Ohio 43227
Mailing Address: Seven Baskets Community Development PO Box 65, Hilliard, Ohio 43026
(614) 406-2548
seven-baskets.org
A network of partners in the South Side of Columbus working to holistically improve quality of life for residents. Their website has helpful information and resources for finding healthcare and insurance, healthy eating, resilience, mental and physical wellness, and managing chronic conditions. Use their Resource Map to locate resources like food, childcare, healthcare, legal help, and more in the South Side. Go online to contact the organization.
southsidethrive.org
Church serving the Franklinton community. Their Street Church program gathers in the parking lot of PNC Bank at the corner of Broad Street and Central Ave at 1PM for every Sunday for a prayer service and free meal. Jericho’s Light Club is a series of free meals inside the church each Friday and Saturday evening, and they host Sacred Table Dinners at various locations in the community twice a month. They also host weekly Recovery Café and AA meetings, where all who seek to achieve or maintain sobriety are welcome. Check the online Event Calendar or call for details.
1003 West Town Street, Columbus, Ohio 43222
Main Office: (614) 221-9328
AA Meetings: (614) 571-2079
st-johns-columbus.org
Faith-based community center serving the Linden-area community. Programs include rental and utility assistance, childcare for children 6 weeks to 5 years at Christ Child Early Learning Center, afterschool and summer programs, Kinship Aftercare, Family to Family empowerment program for families with open cases with FCCS, senior food and transportation, and more. They are also a Mid-Ohio Market site, providing a food pantry with Mid-Ohio Food Bank. Find program details online.
1500 East Seventeenth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43219
(614) 294-6347
saintstephensch.org
A faith-based, non-profit organization that provides various services including a food pantry (appointment required), free hot lunches, dental clinic, and vision clinic. Their after school program includes academic, spiritual, and emotional support for K-6 students. Transportation is provided from five local schools, but kids from any school district are welcome. They also offer scholarships for graduating seniors at South High School to pursue college or vocational training. The Stowe Pregnancy Resource Center offers free ultrasounds, pregnancy tests, and consultation.
888 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43206
(614) 445-8400
stowemission.org
Stowe Pregnancy Resource Center:
(614) 620-7286
stoweprc.org
Nonprofit serving lunches to school-aged children in the summer months, to help those unable to access summer food programs. They deliver fresh, nutritious meals from their food truck in Hilltop, Franklinton, and South End neighborhoods. They also provide hygiene items when available. They make and sell Hunger Hero bracelets, each bracelet sold provides one week of lunches. Contact them through their website for more information.
thelunchboxohio.org
Find free, nutritious breakfasts and lunches for kids during the summer months in your community. Meals are served to kids up to age 18 beginning in May of each year. Families can use the Meal Finder tool to find directions to nearby meal sites, as well as their hours of operation and contact information.
National Hunger Hotline: (866) 348-6479
Español: (877) 842-6273
fns.usda.gov/meals4kids
Faith-based nonprofit providing a food pantry, clothing boutique, cooking classes, and Christmas food and gift help. They can also connect you to employment assistance with their community partners. Healthcare services include eye exams and no-cost glasses to those who qualify, breast and cervical cancer screens to women who are uninsured or underinsured, and mental health counseling with board-licensed counselors at the Hope Counseling Center. Appointments are required for most services, including food pantry and boutique.
3964 East Main Street, Whitehall, Ohio 43213
(614) 252-2500
victorycoh.org
Offers a variety of services including early childhood center, after-school and summer programs, sports and exercise programs, free health clinic, free legal clinic, food pantry, and immigration counseling services (DACA). Other programs include daytime and evening GED prep classes, English as a Second Language (ESL), programs for homeschoolers, men’s and women’s support and recovery groups, marriage and parenting programs, financial counseling, mental health counseling, career development services, dance, art, and music classes.
6000 Cooper Road, Westerville, Ohio 43081
(614) 259-5238
vineyardcommunitycenter.org
Faith-based charity providing food to income-eligible residents of the Westerville City School district. The HOPE program provides one-on-one supportive coaching for Senior adults (age 60+), people with disabilities, and others going through financial and life challenges. They have a free summer lunch program for children ages 1-18, Share Bac A Pac to feed children on weekends and school breaks, and the Way2Work free job training course. The Choice Market allows families to shop the food pantry online or by phone to customize their order. Find program and eligibility details online (if experiencing web issues, try using the mobile version or opening in Chrome).
150 Heatherdown Drive, Westerville, Ohio 43081
Administration: (614) 889-0196
Help Center/Food Assistance Scheduling: (614) 568-8700
warmwesterville.org
Free program for income-eligible pregnant and breastfeeding women, women who recently had a baby, infants, and children up to 5 years of age. Provides nutrition education, breastfeeding education and support, formula, and food vouchers. They provide a WIC Nutrition (EBT) Card to use at grocery stores. Call or visit the websites below for program details and to schedule an appointment at a WIC office near you.
Distributes food and personal items to individuals and families in the Worthington School District (zip codes 43016, 43035, 43065, 43081, 43085, 43229, 43235, and 43240) who meet income guidelines. The pantry uses an indoor express service model, where customers park outside and are greeted by a volunteer for check-in. The pantry stocks meat, dairy, dry goods, produce, personal care items, and more. No appointment needed. Find eligibility requirements and program details online.
6700 Huntley Road, Columbus, Ohio 43229
(614) 985-1766
worthingtonresourcepantry.org