Everyone is impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but as we have previously written, vulnerable populations are even more at risk during this difficult time. And more of our fellow Ohioans may soon need assistance from safety net services like Ohio’s foodbanks.
That’s why we’re sharing information from the Ohio Association of Foodbanks on how you can help in your community.
BEFORE the pandemic, according to the Ohio Association of Foodbanks, the state’s foodbanks served an average of 25,000 people each day – through pantries, churches, shelters and warehouses across the state. That number is now expected to rise exponentially and foodbanks also have to figure out new ways to distribute food to those in need.
That being said – the food banks, pantries and shelters still want people who need help, and who need food, to reach out for that help.
There are a few things people who are looking for ways to help can do right now.
- Donate cash rather than food or other items. This will not only help those in need but can also help reduce in-person contacts and the burden on grocery stores.
- Business support. Companies can donate supplies including food, cleaning and household items, etc.
- If you’re at low-risk and can help volunteer in clean settings at your local foodbankWe’ve included a list below of the regional foodbanks across the state. These foodbanks serve pantries and shelters in each community. If you can help or would like to donate please reach out to one of the agencies below.
Click here to download the foodbank volunteer guide!
Mid-Ohio Foodbank3960 Brookham Drive Grove City, OH 43123 614-274-7770
SE Ohio Foodbank & Kitchen1005 C I C Drive Logan, OH 43138 740-385-6813
Toledo Northwestern Ohio Food Bank24 East Woodruff Avenue Toledo, OH 43604 419-242-5000
Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio5510 Baumhart Rd Lorain, OH 44053 440-960-2265
Greater Cleveland Food Bank15500 South Waterloo Road Cleveland, OH 44110 216-738-2265
Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank **Donations Currently Matched by GoodYear**350 Opportunity Parkway Akron, OH 44307 330-535-6900
Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley2805 Salt Springs Road Youngstown, OH 44509 330-792-5522
Shared Harvest Foodbank5901 Dixie Highway Fairfield , OH 45014 800-352-3663
Freestore Foodbank1141 Central Parkway Cincinnati, OH 45202 513-482-4500
The Foodbank, Inc.56 Armor Place Dayton, OH 45417 937-461-0265
Second Harvest Food Bank of Clark, Champaign and Logan Counties701 East Columbia Street Springfield, OH 45503 937-325-8715
West Ohio Food Bank1380 East Kibby Street Lima, OH 45804 419-222-7946
