While the need for food assistance is on the rise across the country, those in Columbus, Ohio are seeing more households than ever being affected by food insecurity. According to the Mid-Ohio Food Collective (MOFC), they served twice as many people in Franklin County in 2024 than in 2019 – that’s an increase of 50,000 families a month to 100,000.
Thankfully, there are organizations throughout Ohio dedicated to helping neighbors learn more about their options and find support.
Need Immediate Help?
There are a couple of different ways to go about finding emergency food assistance. Start by calling 211 where a trained operator can connect you with local agencies and community organizations that offer food assistance and other support services. You can also find nearby food resources by entering your ZIP code on MOFC’s Freshtrak website.
Consistent Food Assistance
If you need more ongoing support with food, applying for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known in Ohio as food assistance, is a great place to start.
To find out if you’re eligible, you can take a quick online self-assessment provided by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. If you qualify, you have a few options to apply:
- Online
- In person at your local county agency
- Requesting a mailed application.
For extra support during the application process, the Mid-Ohio Food Collective (MOFC) offers benefit assistance. You can either fill out a request form online or schedule an appointment with one of their benefits outreach coordinators.
Other Programs
Throughout Columbus, there are a network of food banks, food pantries and other social service organizations supported through federal initiatives like The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP), along with local donations and volunteer efforts.
As an example, Lutheran Social Services operates a number of food pantries and distribution locations along with an online ordering program for clients of their Franklin County or Delaware County food pantries.
Whether you need immediate help or more consistent support, you don’t have to face food insecurity alone. The organizations and programs mentioned above are dedicated to helping you. Taking that first step can make all the difference, and there is a supportive network ready to help.
