Columbus OH
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Help Paying for Food

Canal Winchester Human Services

Serves residents living in Canal Winchester, the Canal Winchester School District, the Bloom Carroll School District, or Lithopolis. The Community Food Pantry is available by appointment, and clients can visit twice per month. They also offer pop-up food events, emergency assistance for rent/mortgage or utilities, senior outreach programs, school supplies, and holiday adopt-a-family programs. Visit the website for program details and applications.
80 Covenant Way, Canal Winchester, Ohio 43110
(614) 834-4700
cwhumanservices.org

Catholic Social Services

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. The pantry is available by appointment. They also offer payee services for individuals with disabilities in Ohio and West Virginia for a small fee. Non-emergency transportation is available for individuals with disabilities in Licking County.

  • Columbus Office
    197 East Gay Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
    (614) 221-5891
  • West Columbus: Our Lady of Guadalupe Center
    3351 Soldano Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43228
    (614) 340-7061
  • Newark
    1031 Brice Street, Newark, Ohio 43055
    (740) 345-2565
  • Zanesville
    Physical Address: 422 Main Street, Zanesville, Ohio 43702
    Mailing Address: PO Box 3446, Zanesville, Ohio 43702
    (740) 452-5057
  • Portsmouth
    St. Francis Catholic Outreach Center
    2311 Stockham Lane, Portsmouth, Ohio 45662
    (740) 961-4020

colscss.org

City of Columbus Neighborhood Pride Centers

Neighborhood Pride Centers are one-stop shops to access city services in one place. Neighborhood Liaisons serve as a direct link to city services to help address neighborhood issues and help Columbus neighborhoods thrive. They can help residents find programs for New Americans, sanitation services, supportive services for families, job fairs, community events, and more.

  • West Side: 1186 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43222
    (614) 935-6375
  • South Side: Reed Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43207
    (614) 645-5220
  • Near East: 1393 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
    (614) 645-7131
  • North: 248 East Eleventh Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201
    (614) 724-1900 or (614) 724-5566
  • Far East: 2500 Park Crescent Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43232
    (614) 724-0100

Columbus Department of Neighborhoods Office: (614) 645-1993
311 Customer Service Center: (614) 645-3111
columbus.gov/Community/Department-of-Neighborhoods/Area-Commission-Map/Neighborhood-Liaisons

Clintonville-Beechwold Community Resources Center (CRC)

Social service agency in the Clintonville neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio. They offer community events and supportive services for Senior Citizens in addition to these programs:

  • CRC Family Services & Choice Food Pantry: Crisis resources for individuals and families include a food pantry, clothing, help accessing benefits and community resources, and individual supportive counseling. Produce is available for all zip codes in Franklin County, once-a-month pantry shop is available for zip codes 43235, 43085, 43229, 43224, 43214, 43220, 43221, 43202, 43211, 43201.
    14 West Lakeview Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43202
    (614) 268-8118
  • Kids Club: Afterschool and summer program held at various community locations for income-eligible youth Grades K-5 in Clintonville and Beechwold.
  • Kinship Care Program: Supports kinship caregivers who are unexpectedly raising a child whose parents are unable to care for them. Services include case management, materials assistance, educational resources, and referrals for other supportive services.

(614) 268-3539
clintonvillecrc.org

Columbus Public Health (CPH) Resource Lists

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, pregnancy resources and much more. They are updated annually 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. All lists updated 2025.
Food Pantries & Soup Kitchens
Food Pantries & Soup Kitchens – French
Food Pantries & Soup Kitchens – Haitian Creole
Food Pantries & Soup Kitchens – Somali
Food Pantries & Soup Kitchens – Spanish

Health Care (Free Clinics, Dental, Vision & Women’s Health)
Emergency Resources (Housing, Food, Utilities, Safety & Clothing)
Agencies Serving Immigrants & Refugees
Job Help (Unemployment, Looking for a Job, Online Searches)
Pregnancy Resources (WIC, Healthcare, Utilities, Baby Supplies, Diaper Banks, Housing, & Parenting Classes)
Prescription Help (Reduced Cost Prescriptions, Discount Programs & Medicaid Info)
Programs & Resources for Seniors
Mental Health & Substance Use Resources (Crisis Lines, Healthcare, Support Groups, Disposal Box Locations)

240 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 645-6807
columbus.gov/Services/Public-Health/Find-Health-Care-Resources/Health-Resources-List

Community Development for All People (CD4AP)

This church provides 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, and more.
4allpeople.org

  • HEAL & Fresh Market:
    Healthy Eating and Living (HEAL) offers free nutrition education and health and wellness classes. The Fresh Market offers free, fresh food and produce to those who meet income guidelines. ID and proof of income is required. Walk-in and drive-thru pick-up is available during market hours.
    946 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43206
    (614) 445-7342
    Fresh Market: 4allpeople.org/freshmarket
    HEAL: heal4allpeople.org
  • Free Store:
    Accepts donations of gently used clothing and household items. No appointment is required to shop; walk-ins are accepted Tuesday-Saturday. Visit the website for hours.
    946 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, OH 43206
    (614) 443-1713
    4allpeople.org/free-store
  • Bikes for All People (B4AP): Provides affordable access to bicycles and cycling-related resources for those who rely on bikes as their sole means of transportation. They offer refurbished bikes for sale, bike parts and gear, and walk-in bike repair services, and community group rides. They accept donated bikes and volunteers. Repairs are walk-in and first-come, first-served. Most services and programs are offered on a sliding scale. Visit the website to contact the organization.
    934 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43206
    bikesforallpeople.org
  • ID 4 All People:
    Helps residents of Columbus attain their Ohio birth certificate and State ID card. They will help you through the application process and cover the costs. No appointment needed, walk-ins are accepted on Mondays. Visit the website for additional details.
    (614) 445-7342, ext. 101
    facebook.com/photo/?fbid=940948394735643&set=a.318522830311539
  • Thrive to 5:
    Supports pregnant parents and families with children under 5 years old through developmental screenings, parenting support, diapers, cribs, and more. Visit the website and complete the online form to get started.
    (614) 445-7342, ext. 115
    4allpeople.org/thrive-to-5

Franklin County Department of Job & Family Services (JFS)

Provides financial, medical, and social service programs in Franklin County. Programs include cash assistance (Ohio Works First, LEAP), help paying for child care, food assistance (Ohio Direction Card/SNAP/EBT, WIC), medical assistance (Medicaid, Healthy Start), and Ohio Means Jobs assistance for job seekers. Emergency Assistance (PRC) funds may be requested for a maximum of $2,000 to use towards overdue rent and utility bills, car repairs; or damages as a result of a natural disaster, housefire, or flood. Visit the website to view specific eligibility requirements for each program, and to start your application. People outside of Franklin County should visit their local county Department of Job and Family Services.

  • East Opportunity Center: 1055 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43203
  • Northland Opportunity Center: 1721 Northland Park Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43229
  • West Opportunity Center: 314 North Wilson Road, Columbus, Ohio 43204

(614) 233-2000
Customer Access Center: (844) 640-6446
Medicaid Transportation: (614) 233-2381
Ohio Medicaid Consumer Hotline: (800) 324-8680
Workforce Development: (614) 212-1800
Ohio Direction EBT Card Assistance: (866) 386-3071
Find Your Local ODJFS Office: jfs.ohio.gov/about/local-agencies-directory
Self-Service Ohio Benefits Portal (Apply Here): ssp.benefits.ohio.gov/apspssp/ssp.portal
Main Website: jfs.franklincountyohio.gov

FreshTrak

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 and is operated by Mid-Ohio Foodbank to help you find food now.
freshtrak.com

Jordan’s Crossing Resource Center

Faith-based organization serving those struggling with homelessness and/or substance use on the west side of Columbus. Food services include daily lunches, a weekly community meal, and the Fresh Food Market. They also provide access to housing specialists, Narcan, sobriety mentoring, panhandling diversion, and treatment program referrals.
342 North Hague Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43204
(614) 564-9616
jordanscrossingcolumbus.org

LifeCare Alliance

Agency in Central Ohio with comprehensive health programs for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and families. They operate in Franklin, Champaign, Logan, Marion, and Madison counties. Individuals can be referred by a professional or refer themselves by completing the online referral form. Programs in Franklin County include:

  • Health & Wellness Programs: Free head-to-toe cancer screenings & mammograms for anyone regardless of insurance or ability to pay; programs for kids and and adults with diabetes; travel vaccine clinic; low-cost blood pressure checks, foot care, nutrition education, and wellness classes at their community wellness centers; in-home care from visiting nurses.
    Cancer Services: (614) 263-5006
    (614) 278-3130
  • IMPACT Safety: Personal safety and violence reduction class, including emotional skills and physical self-defense. This program requires a fee, but need-based scholarships are available. Community programs are offered for free several times per year in Columbus, and they offer specialized options for kids, people with disabilities, women of color, and businesses.
    (614) 437-2884
  • Senior Nutrition Programs: Serves free hot meals every day at Carrie’s Cafe for seniors 60+ years old; hosts free meals for seniors at Senior Dining Center locations; home-delivered Meals-on-Wheels for seniors or medically-challenged individuals; Senior Farmers Markets for those 60+ years old and meet income guidelines.
    (614) 437-2987
  • Project Open Hand: Free nutrition program for children or adults living with HIV/AIDS. Provides access to hot meals at Carrie’s Cafe, one-on-one nutrition counseling, home-delivered meals, and emergency meal assistance.
    (614) 437-2854

Administrative Office, Travel Vaccines & Wellness Services: 1699 West Mound Street, Columbus, Ohio 43223
(614) 278-3130
Carrie’s Cafe & Senior Nutrition Programs: 670 Harmon Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43223
(614) 437-2987
lifecarealliance.org/programs

Lutheran Social Services (LSS) 211 Central Ohio

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 for programs in Fairfield County. The LSS 211 Information and Referral network can connect you to food pantries and other social services across Franklin County and Ohio.

  • LSS 211 Referral Line & Online Database
    Call 211 or (614) 221-2255
    lssnetworkofhope.org/211centralohio
  • Central Ohio Main Office
    1105 Schrock Rd, Columbus, OH 43229
    (614) 228-5200
    lssnetworkofhope.org
  • Champion Avenue Food Pantry
    1460 South Champion Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43206
    (877) 577-6325
    All Pantry & Produce Locations: lssnetworkofhope.org/foodpantries/locations
    Pantry Registration: lssfoodpantries.org
  • LSS Health Center
    Offers primary care, dental, vision, HIV/STD testing, pharmacy, behavioral healthcare, and substance use disorder (SUD/MAT) treatment.
    245 North Grant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
    (614) 224-0747
    lssnetworkofhope.org/lsshealthcenter
  • Faith Mission Franklin County Homeless Shelter
    Must call Homeless Hotline in advance to be assigned a bed: (614) 274-7000
    217 North Grant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
    Men’s Shelter: 599 East Eighth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201
    lssnetworkofhope.org/faithmission
  • Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)
    Offers emergency shelter beds for veterans and help with housing stability for veteran families.
    (614) 224-6617
  • CHOICES Domestic Violence Services
    Offers temporary housing, counseling, legal services, and peer support for survivors of domestic violence.
    24-hour Domestic Violence Crisis Line: (614) 224-4663
    General: (614) 224-7200
    lssnetworkofhope.org/choices/services

Mid-Ohio Food Collective

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. Their team also provides help signing up for benefits, accessing healthcare, and connecting to community resources. Learn more about their programs below.
3960 Brookham Drive, Grove City, Ohio 43123
(614) 274-3663
mofc.org

  • Farms & Community Gardens: In addition to growing produce for their other programs, farms and gardens serve as outdoor classrooms. They offer gardening lessons, youth programs, mentorship for future farmers, and more.
  • Kitchen at Reeb Center: Enjoy fresh, house-made meals Monday-Friday 11am-2pm. The meals are free and no appointment is needed, just stop by and enjoy the cafe.
    2867 East Livingston Ave. Columbus, Ohio 43209
    (614) 230-2708
  • Farmacy: Partners with local healthcare providers to provide fresh food to patients once a week in Franklin, Knox, Licking, Ross, and Pickaway counties. If your doctor is a healthcare partner, ask them for a Farmacy card to get started.
  • Commodity Supplemental Food Program: Works with community partners to provide monthly food boxes with shelf-stable items for seniors ages 60+ who meet income guidelines.
  • Mid-Ohio Markets: Offers food pantries with a dignified, free grocery store experience. Market locations are listed below.
    • Bishop Griffin: 2867 East Livingstone Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43209
      (614) 338-8220
    • Center of Hope: 25821 New Guilford Road, Bladensburg, Ohio 43005
      (740) 200-0689
    • Columbus State: 400 Grove Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
      (614) 782-5514
    • Gantz Road: 4041 Gantz Road, Grove City, Ohio 43123
      (614) 317-9487
    • HEART: 6475 East Main Street, Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068
      (614) 604-8878
    • Norton Road: 620 Norton Road, Columbus, Ohio 43228
      (614) 782-5514
    • MY Project USA: 3275Sullivant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43204
      (614) 905-0977
    • St. Stephens: 1500 East Seventeenth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43219
      (614) 338-8220

mRelief

A nonprofit that provides free help signing up for SNAP food benefits. Visit the website or use the text line to complete a screener. The screener can identify if you likely qualify for SNAP and provide next steps on how to apply.
Text “Food” to 74544
www.mrelief.com

Neighborhood Bridges

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.
All Ohio Locations: neighborhoodbridges.org/state/ohio

Ohio Benefits & Assistance Programs: Are You Eligible for Medicaid?

Wondering if you are eligible for Ohio benefits and assistance programs? Go online to view program details, eligibility requirements, and renewal requirements. Applications can be submitted online through the Ohio Benefits Self-Service Portal (OBSSP), or in person at your local Job and Family Services Office.

  • Medicaid: Provides healthcare coverage for Ohio residents that meet income requirements, including children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities. Includes Healthy Start and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP): cap4kids.org/columbus/medicaid-healthy-start and medical transportation services: cap4kids.org/columbus/ohio-insurance-managed-care-plans-mcp
  • SNAP Food Assistance: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps those at or below 130% of the federal poverty guidelines access healthy food. Participants receive an Ohio Direction Card (also known as Ohio EBT card) to use at grocery stores like a debit card. SNAP funds may be used to purchase fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy, seafood, non-alcoholic beverages, canned foods, and other cold grocery items at major retailers or online.
  • Ohio Works First Cash Assistance: Residents who are pregnant or have at least once child and meet the gross monthly income test are eligible to receive an Ohio Way2Go prepaid MasterCard that can be used at banks, ATMs, and retailers.
  • Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC Childcare Assistance): Provides financial assistance for families who are working or in school pay for early care and education programs. Families must must be at or below 145% of the federal poverty level, or 150% for children with a disability.
    cap4kids.org/columbus/odjfs-child-care
  • Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): Food/nutrition support for income-eligible pregnant, expecting, or postpartum women.
    cap4kids.org/columbus/wic
  • Healthy Start & CHIP: Healthcare services for women and children ages 0-20.
    cap4kids.org/columbus/medicaid-healthy-start
  • Ohio Refugee Services: Cash assistance and other integration services for eligible refugees, asylees, or migrants.
    cap4kids.org/columbus/ohio-refugee-services
  • Benefits for Children with Disabilities: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs provide financial assistance for people who meet federal requirements for disability.
    cap4kids.org/columbus/ssi
    Families may qualify for additional assistance through Medicaid Waivers: cap4kids.org/columbus/medicaid-waiver-services. These benefits can be accessed through your local Board of Developmental Disabilities: cap4kids.org/columbus/department-of-developmental-disabilities

Medicaid Consumer Hotline: (800) 324-8680
Ohio Benefits Call Center: (844) 640-6446
Job & Family Services Offices: cap4kids.org/columbus/franklin-county-jfs
Ohio Benefits Program Descriptions: benefits.ohio.gov/home/resources/assistance-programs

Pickerington Food Pantry

A choice pantry serving residents of the Pickerington Local School District (excluding zip codes 43068 and 43110). Clients must register and make an appointment for food.  Clients can visit once every 2 weeks. They also provide meal baskets for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Visit the website to schedule a visit.
70 Cross Street, Pickerington, Ohio 43147
(614) 834-0079
pickpantry.com

Summer EBT / SUN Bucks (Ohio Summer Food Program)

SUN Bucks and SUN Meals are USDA programs to help families access food during the summer months. Families can participate in both programs. Participation in these programs does not affect families’ immigration status. Families can find additional information from the USDA, or in Ohio, through Children’s Hunger Alliance.

  • SUN Bucks/Summer EBT provides cash benefits for income-eligible families with school-aged children to access groceries 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.
    General Questions (ODJFS Hotline): (866) 244-0071
    Summer EBT Card Questions: (866) 386-3071
    Video: How to Use Produce Perks
    Ohio SUN Bucks/EBT Website: ohiosummerebt.org
    Application Website: ebt.ohio.gov
  • SUN Meals offers free meals and snacks to all kids ages 18 and under at schools, parks, and other eligible community organizations. No application is needed, but families should register with a local summer meal provider. To find meal sites in your community, visit CAP4Kids School & Summer Lunches, use the USDA National Meal Site Finder, or use the USDA Hunger Hotline.USDA Hunger Hotline: (866) 348-6479
    USDA Summer Nutrition Programs Website: fns.usda.gov/summer
    Click Here for 2025 Summer Food Resources for Children Flyer
    Additional Resources from Children’s Hunger Alliance: childrenshungeralliance.org/summer

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food & Nutrition Service (FNS)

Use this website to learn about federal nutrition guidelines and nutrition assistance programs, including SNAP, WIC, school and summer nutrition, and disaster assistance.
fns.usda.gov

Victory Ministries Center of Hope

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

Vineyard Community Center

Faith-based organization providing a variety of services for families. Youth services include an early childhood center for ages 6 week-PreK, after-school and summer programs for K-12 and youth sports/fitness programs. Adult education programs include GED prep classes, English as a Second Language (ESOL/ESL), recovery groups, parenting programs, financial counseling, career development services, art classes, and Red Cross CPR classes. They also offer a free health clinic, free legal clinic, immigration counseling services, and financial counseling. The food pantry serves zip codes 43229, 43224, 43231 and requires registration for a shopping appointment.
Food Pantry: 4664 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43231
Community Center: 6000 Cooper Road, Westerville, Ohio 43081
(614) 259-5238
vineyardcommunitycenter.org

Westerville Area Resource Ministry (WARM)

Faith-based charity providing food to income-eligible residents of the Westerville City School district. Registered families can shop the choice market online or by phone for curbside pickup. Families may shop once every two weeks. They also provide free summer lunch for children ages 1-18 and Share Bac a Pac for children at risk of hunger on weekends and school breaks. Additional programs include free employment support, financial education, and one-on-one supportive coaching for Seniors, people with disabilities, and others facing financial life challenges. Find full program and eligibility details online.
150 Heatherdown Drive, Westerville, Ohio 43081
Administration: (614) 889-0196
Help Center/Food Assistance Scheduling: (614) 568-8700
warmwesterville.org

Women, Infants & Children (WIC)

Free program for income-eligible pregnant and breastfeeding women, women who recently had a baby, infants, and children up to 5 years of age regardless of citizenship status. 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.

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