There’s never a bad time of year to donate food.
But the holidays can be an incredibly stressful time for families that are already fighting food insecurity. That is being exacerbated this year as the government shutdown has impacted funding for food pantries and could potentially prevent households from receiving SNAP benefits.
As more families struggle to meet their basic needs, food pantries around the country are more dependent than ever on donations from the community.
Whether you’re looking for a place to donate goods or you’re looking for a place to get a little extra help, we’ve compiled a list of food banks and food pantries in the central Ohio area.
Mid-Ohio Food Collective
Mid-Ohio Food Collective has been serving the Columbus area for decades. They provide over tens of thousands of meals every day to hungry people across central and eastern Ohio, and they can always use donations. Mid-Ohio Food Collective accepts both food and monetary donations.
More info: Mid-Ohio Food Collective
LSS Food Pantries
Through storefronts and mobile pantries in 12 counties, LSS Food Pantries provide food for thousands of Ohio families every month. LSS offers online ordering for those in need of foodservice, which you can access here. To see the Wishlist for donations for LSS Food Pantries, please click here.
More info: LSS Food Pantries
NNEMAP: Food Pantry
NNEMAP Food Pantry is a community-based organization that has been serving Columbus residents for over 50 years. You can make both food and financial donations, as well as sign up to support the pantry through the Kroger Community Rewards program.
More info: NNEMAP: Food Pantry
Military Veterans Resource Center
For nearly twenty years, Military Veterans Resource Center (MVRC) has helped veterans regain self-reliance, independence, and self-confidence. MVRC accepts material donations of food, clothing, and household items. You can also send monetary donations.
More info: Military Veterans Resource Center
Hope Food Pantry
At Hope Food Pantry, you can donate funds to help support the pantry or volunteer your time. Food comes prepackaged for easy pick-up. If you’d like to donate money, you can click the link above. If you’re interested in volunteering your time, please click here.
More info: Hope Food Pantry
Neighborhood Services Inc.
Last year, 10,020 families visited the Neighborhood Services food pantry for food assistance. This year, that number grew, and the need for both financial donations and volunteers grew also. If you’re interested in picking up some volunteer shifts, please click here.
More info: Neighborhood Services Inc.
To see more Food Pantries around central Ohio, please click here.
Featured image via LSS Food Pantries Facebook.
