Works with schools, community organizations, and child care providers throughout Ohio to increase participation in USDA child nutrition programs. Contact their office for help finding childcare centers and meal programs, including after-school, weekend, and summer programs that offer free food for kids.
Columbus: 1105 Schrock Road, Columbus, Ohio 43229
Cincinnati: 10945 Reed Hartman Highway, Cincinnati, Ohio 45242
Cleveland: 2800 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115
Toledo: 1715 Indian Wood Circle, Maumee, Ohio 43537
(614) 341-7700
childrenshungeralliance.org
14 West Lakeview Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43202
(614) 268-8118
clintonvillecrc.org
This church provides several important community programs in the Merion Village neighborhood of Columbus, along with worship services. Programs include daily Fresh Markets with free produce for income-eligible individuals, nutrition education, free health and wellness classes, community events, an after-school program at Lincoln Park Elementary, Free Store, and ID 4 All People.
Fresh Market Website: heal4allpeople.org/all-people-s-fresh-market
Main Website: 4allpeople.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
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
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. Delivery is available for those who qualify. Visit the website for full pantry hours.
Location: 161 Granville Street, Gahanna, Ohio 43230
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 307563, Gahanna, Ohio 43230
(614) 214-4747
grin4gahanna.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
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
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
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
Their website offers important information for families and professionals about state food and nutrition programs. Find guidelines and applications details for child and adult day care food programs, the national school lunch program, and summer food programs.
(877) 644-6338
education.ohio.gov/Topics/Other-Resources/Food-and-Nutrition
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
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, 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
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
Provides grocery benefits for low-income families with school-aged children when school is closed for summer. Families receive a one-time $120 benefit for each eligible child, which is uploaded to the household’s existing Ohio Direction Card, or on a new benefit card mailed to the family. The money can be used for meals at grocery stores, farmers markets or other authorized retailers. Families who already participate in SNAP, Ohio Works First, other Medicaid benefits, or receive free/reduced meal benefits at school are automatically enrolled. New families can use the website to apply and track their application status. Participation in the program does not affect families’ immigration status.
General Questions (ODJFS Hotline): (866) 244-0071
Summer EBT Card Questions: (866) 386-3071
Summer Food Resources Flyer
S-EBT Fact Sheet
Video: How to Use Produce Perks
ohiosummerebt.org
Application Website: sebt.ohio.gov
USDA National Meal Site Finder
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