Where To Find Free Meals and Food Pantries in Central Ohio Right Now

If you or someone you love needs food help, you are not alone. The holidays are hard, and the current government shutdown means many neighbors may not get November SNAP benefits on time, starting November 1. Ohio’s Job and Family Services has warned about delays, so please plan ahead. 

Quick helpers you can use today:

• Call LSS 211 Central Ohio for live help 24/7. They can tell you the nearest pantry and what to bring. Dial 211. 
• Use Mid-Ohio Food Collective’s “Find Food” tool or FreshTrak to search by ZIP code. 

Friendly reminder: Hours can change. Always check the details before you go.

*Note: The following listings are pulled from this list by Columbus Public Health – Neighborhood Social Work. Thank you to them for compiling and putting this information out there.

Free Meals and Community Kitchens in and Around Columbus, Ohio

Broad Street United Methodist Church – Manna Cafe

501 E. Broad St. | (614) 221-4571 ext. 101

• What: Sit-down dinner
• Who: Anyone
• When: Wed 5–6 p.m.
• How: Walk in
• Docs: None

Central Community House

1251 Bryden Rd. | (614) 252-3157

• What: Free hot dinner, first come first served
• Who: Near East Side residents or CCH volunteers in 43205 or 43206 (see boundaries)
• When: 3rd Wed monthly, 5:30–7 p.m. (no November or December meal)
• How: Walk in, sign in
• Docs: None

Reeb Café (Mid-Ohio Food Collective)

280 Reeb Ave.

• What: Pay what you can or volunteer for a meal
• Who: Anyone
• When: Mon–Fri 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
• How: Walk in
• Docs: None

Community Kitchen (St. John’s Catholic)

640 S. Ohio Ave. | (614) 252-6428 ext. 238

• What: Hot breakfast and lunch
• Who: Anyone
• When: Mon–Fri 8:30–10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
• How: Walk in
• Docs: None

Feed My Sheep Ministries

2364 W. Broad St. | (614) 721-5414

• What: Weekly free meal
• Who: Anyone willing to share a meal with care for others
• When: Tues 6:30–8 p.m.; Sat 9–10 a.m. (not 1st Sat)
• How: Walk in
• Docs: None

Jordan’s Crossing

342 N. Hague Ave. | (614) 507-3246

• What: Sack lunch and hot lunch
• Who: Based on need
• When: Mon–Fri. Sack lunch 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; Hot lunch 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
• How: Walk in
• Docs: Not needed now

Holy Family Church

57 S. Grubb St. | (614) 461-9444

• What: Daily hot meal
• Who: Anyone
• When: Mon–Fri 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
• How: Walk in. Dress code: shorts/skirts to knee, shirts with sleeves
• Docs: None

Hilltop Community Kitchen Community Meal

2622 Sullivant Ave. | (614) 461-9444

• What: Weekly hot meal to go
• Who: Anyone
• When: Sat 1:30–3 p.m.
• How: Walk in
• Docs: None

Unity Baptist Church Meal Program

1358 Mt. Vernon Ave. | (614) 258-7070

• What: Sit-down meal
• Who: Anyone
• When: 3rd and 4th Wed 5:30–7 p.m.
• How: Walk in
• Docs: None

Mt. Olivet Baptist Church – Hunger Outreach Soup Kitchen

428 E. Main St. | (614) 221-3446

• What: Lunch, clothing, optional worship
• Who: Anyone
• When: Fri 11 a.m.–1 p.m. (Optional worship at 11 a.m.)
• How: Walk in
• Docs: None

Shiloh Baptist Church

720 Mt. Vernon Ave. | (614) 253-7946

• What: Takeaway meal
• Who: Anyone
• When: Sat 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
• How: Walk in around back
• Docs: None

Short North Church – New Life Community Outreach

25 W. Fifth Ave. | (614) 294-0134

• What: Free hot breakfast, men’s clothing; basic health services every other Sun
• Who: Anyone
• When: Sun 8–9 a.m.
• How: Walk in
• Docs: None

St. John’s UCC – Largest Table

59 E. Mound St. | (614) 224-8634

• What: Weekly community lunch; optional noon communion
• Who: Anyone
• When: Wed 12–1 p.m.
• How: Walk in
• Docs: None

Stowe Mission of Central Ohio

888 Parsons Ave. | (614) 445-8400

• What: Hot lunch; dental and vision by appointment
• Who: Anyone
• When: Mon–Fri 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
• How: Walk in
• Docs: None

St. Dominic’s Church

451 N. 20th St. | (614) 252-5926

• What: Hot meal
• Who: Franklin County residents
• When: Mon, Wed, Fri 8:30–9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
• How: Walk in
• Docs: None

North Side Food Pantries

Total Life Ministries

2260 E. Fifth Ave. | (614) 327-5396

• What: Prepacked food box
• Who: Anyone
• When: 2nd and 4th Sat 2–4 p.m.
• How: Walk in
• Docs: ID

Christian Assembly Church – Helping Hands Pantry

4099 Karl Rd. | (614) 261-8440

• What: 3–5 day emergency food
• Who: 43211, 43219, 43224, 43229, 43231 within ODJFS income levels
• When: Sat 9–11 a.m.; 2nd and 4th Tues 5:30–7 p.m.
• How: Walk in
• Docs: Photo ID and current proof of address for adults

Clintonville-Beechwold CRC

14 W. Lakeview Ave. | (614) 268-8118

• What: 3–10 day supply; special diets; formula and baby food; produce Wed
• Who: Pantry service by listed ZIPs; produce open to all ZIPs
• When: Mon–Fri 12–4 p.m.
• How: Walk in
• Docs: Photo ID, proof of income and address

Neighborhood Services Inc.

1950 N. Fourth St. | (614) 297-0592

• What: Choice pantry, 7-day supply
• Who: All Franklin County ZIPs, twice per month
• When: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 10 a.m.–12 p.m.; Wed 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
• How: Appointment through LSS 211 at 614-221-2255
• Docs: Current proof of address; photo ID for adults; insurance cards, SS cards or birth certs for kids

Linden Fresh Market

1464 Cleveland Ave. | (614) 445-7342

• What: Fresh produce daily
• Who: All ZIPs, up to 200% FPL; once per day when open
• When: Mon 1–5 p.m.; Wed 11 a.m.–7 p.m.; Tue/Thu/Fri 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
• How: Walk in or drive up
• Docs: Photo ID

St. Stephen’s Community House

1500 E. 17th Ave. | (614) 294-6347

• What: 3–5 days emergency food once per month
• Who: 43201, 43211, 43219, 43224, 43229, 43230, 43231, 43081
• When: Mon, Wed, Fri 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; Tue 3–6 p.m.; Thu 12–6 p.m.
• How: Walk in or drive up. Numbers handed out 30 minutes early
• Docs: Adults photo ID and proof of current address; kids need one doc with name/address

NNEMAP

677 E. 11th Ave. | (614) 297-0533

• What: 3-day food supply, toiletries; weekly visits; delivery for homebound 60+ or disabled
• Who: All ZIPs
• When: Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri 9 a.m.–12 p.m.; Thu 3–6 p.m.; Sat 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
• How: Walk in
• Docs: Photo ID and proof of residence for adults; proof for each child

Bread of Life Choice Pantry (New Salem Baptist)

1800 Agler Rd. | (614) 84-6200

• What: 3-day supply
• Who: Franklin County
• When: 2nd and 4th Sat 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
• How: Prefer appointment via HandsOn Central Ohio 614-341-2282; walk ins OK
• Docs: Picture ID for each adult and current proof of address

Northside Food Pantry (Vineyard Church)

4664 Cleveland Ave. | (614) 259-5441

• What: Food once per month
• Who: 43224, 43229, 43231 (others one-time service)
• When: Sat 9–11:40 a.m.; Tue and Wed 5–7:40 p.m.; Thu 1–3:40 p.m.
• How: Walk in; Sat requires registration
• Docs: Photo ID and proof of address for adults; birth certs or SS/health ID for kids

Inprem Holistic Community Resource Center

5757 Karl Rd. | (614) 516-1812 or (614) 747-9265

• What: Weekly drive-thru pantry; clothing closet and furniture on 3rd Sat
• Who: All ZIPs
• When: Mon, Tue, Thu 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; Wed, Fri 10 a.m.–6 p.m. (closed 1–2 p.m.)
• How: No appointment
• Docs: Photo ID and proof of address for adults

Worthington Resource Pantry

6700 Huntley Rd. | (614) 985-1766

• What: Choice pantry, serves up to 80 households per day
• Who: ZIPs listed; twice per month; income at or below 200% FPL
• When: Mon 10 a.m.–2 p.m.; Wed 3–7 p.m.; Thu 3–5 p.m.; Sat various hours
• How: Walk in or drive up
• Docs: ID for each household member and proof of current address

Dublin Food Pantry

6608 Dublin Center Dr. | (614) 889-6590

• What: Choice pantry
• Who: Dublin School District and City of Dublin ZIPs
• When: Mon 5–7 p.m.; Tue 10 a.m.–12 p.m.; Wed 4–6:30 p.m.; Thu 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
• How: Walk in
• Docs: Photo ID and proof of address for adults and children

LSS Delaware County Food Pantry

11050 Fancher Rd.

• What: Choice pantry; monthly full shop and weekly bread/produce
• Who: Anyone
• When: 2nd Thu monthly 12–2 p.m.
• How: Referral via LSS 211 or online; emergency walk in for bread/produce
• Docs: Picture ID for adults; birth cert or insurance or SS card for each child; proof of income

Clinton Township Produce Drive-Thru

3820 Cleveland Ave. | (614) 471-1480

• What: Fresh produce
• Who: Clinton Township residents
• When: 2nd and 4th Fri 4–6 p.m. or while supplies last
• How: Drive thru, walkers and bikes served too
• Docs: Photo ID

Gethsemane Lutheran Church

35 E. Stanton Ave. | (614) 885-4319

• What: Choice pantry 3–10 day supply twice a month; Wed hot meal; fresh produce
• Who: 43214, 43220, 43221, 43229, 43202 (others once)
• When: Wed 4–6 p.m.
• How: Walk in or drive thru
• Docs: Photo ID, proof of income, proof of address

South Side Food Pantries

All People’s Fresh Food Market

946 Parsons Ave. | (614) 445-7342

• What: Free fresh food
• Who: Income eligible
• When: Tue–Fri 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sat 9 a.m.–1 p.m. (goes fast)
• How: Walk in or drive thru
• Docs: ID and proof of income

Leave a Mark Church Pantry

4818 Parsons Ave. | (614) 491-5262

• What: Emergency food
• Who: Hamilton Local School District residents
• When: 1st and 3rd Sat 8–11 a.m.
• How: Walk in
• Docs: Proof of address and income

Southside Ministry Pantry

225 E. Gates St. | (614) 444-1669

• What: Pre-boxed food during last full week of month
• Who: Residents of 43204, 43205, 43206, 43207, 43223, 43232; must be registered with HandsOn
• When: Mon, Wed, Fri of last full week 12–2:30 p.m.
• How: Drive-thru style; walk-ups served on church lawn

Grove City Food Pantry

2710 Columbus St. | (614) 871-2588

• What: Choice pantry
• Who: 43123, 43126, 43146, 43119
• When: Mon–Thu 12–2 p.m.
• How: Appointment through LSS 211
• Docs: Confirm when scheduling

East Side Food Pantries

Broad Street Presbyterian Church

760 E. Broad St. | (614) 461-4557

• What: Choice pantry; diapers sometimes
• Who: 43203, 43205, 43209, 43213, 43215 every 30 days; others get one temporary package
• When: Mon–Fri 9–10:30 a.m.
• How: Curbside or walk through
• Docs: Photo ID and proof of address

Mt. Vernon AME Food Pantry

1147 Mount Vernon Ave. | (614) 253-4323

• What: 3–5 day supply
• Who: All ZIPs
• When: Wed 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
• How: Walk in, first come
• Docs: Photo ID

Livingston UMC Pantry

200 E. Livingston Ave. | (614) 560-0377

• What: 3–5 day emergency supply
• Who: 43205, 43206, 43215
• When: Last Tue, Thu, Sat 9–11:30 a.m.
• How: Walk in
• Docs: ID for each person and current proof of address

LSS Champion Food Pantry

1460 S. Champion Ave. | (614) 443-4508

• What: Choice pantry; monthly full shop and produce walk-ins
• Who: Anyone
• When: Mon 4–6 p.m.; Tue–Thu 1–4 p.m.; Fri 12–2 p.m.
• How: Schedule at LSSfoodpantries.org or 877-LSS-MEALS
• Docs: Picture ID for adults; child docs; proof of income

Mt. Olivet Baptist Church (Grab-and-Go Lunches)

428 E. Main St. | (614) 221-3446

• Who: 43205, 43206, 43215; once a month
• When: 2nd and 3rd Wed 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
• Docs: Photo ID for each household member and utility bill

Second Baptist – Bread Basket Pantry

186 N. 17th St. | (614) 253-4313

• What: Walk-in emergency food
• Who: Anyone
• When: 4th Sat 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
• Docs: Photo ID for adults; proof of address and child ID

St. Philip’s Episcopal Church

166 Woodland Ave. | (614) 253-2771

• What: Walk-in pantry
• Who: 43203 or 43205, once per month
• When: Wed 12–2 p.m.
• Docs: Photo ID and proof of address for adults; initial household verification off-site

Greater Groveport Food Pantry

595 Cherry St. | (614) 836-7652

• What: Choice pantry
• Who: Groveport Madison School District residents
• When: Thu 3–6 p.m. by appointment
• How: Call by Tue noon for referral
• Docs: ID and current utility bill

Brice United Methodist Church

3160 Brice Rd. | (614) 866-3025

• What: 4 days of food and free breakfast, once a month
• Who: Listed ZIPs
• When: Sat 9–11:30 a.m.
• How: Walk in or drive thru
• Docs: Photo ID and proof of address

Bishop Griffin Food Pantry

2867 E. Livingston Ave. | (614) 338-8220

• What: Pantry, community store, diapers
• Who: 43209, 43219, 43227, 43213, 43232
• When: Wed 9 a.m.–1 p.m.; Fri 12–4 p.m.
• Docs: Proof of residence and ID

Victory Ministries

3964 E. Main St., Whitehall | (614) 252-7996

• What: Pantry, clinic, clothing, literacy
• Who: All Franklin County ZIPs
• When: Tue–Fri 12–3 p.m.
• How: Call for appointment
• Docs: Confirm when scheduling

Reynoldsburg Helping Hands

7356 E. Main St., Reynoldsburg | (614) 868-9394

• What: Boxed emergency food
• Who: Reynoldsburg School District; every other month
• When: Tue, Fri, Sat 10 a.m.–12 p.m.; Wed 3–5 p.m.
• How: Call for appointment. Leave voicemail and wait for call back
• Docs: Recent bill or lease for adults; child ID

Christian Center Church Gahanna

298 S. Rocky Fork Dr. | (614) 471-3036

• What: 3-day emergency food
• Who: All ZIPs. Primary ZIPs monthly, others every 3 months
• When: 2nd and 3rd Sat 9–11 a.m.
• How: Walk in, first come
• Docs: Proof of address and ID for all household members

New Hope Apostolic Ministries

3454 S. Hamilton Rd. | (614) 307-6734

• What: Prepackaged food box
• Who: All Columbus residents
• When: 4th Sat 9:30 a.m. until gone (arrive around 7–7:30 a.m.)
• How: Walk in
• Docs: ID and proof of address

Holy Spirit Catholic Church Produce Market

4383 E. Broad St. | (614) 579-1423

• What: Fresh produce from Mid-Ohio Food Collective
• Who: Income-eligible Franklin County families
• When: 2nd Fri monthly 3–5 p.m.
• How: Walk in, first come
• Docs: Photo ID

Gahanna Residents in Need (GRIN)

161 Granville St. | (614) 214-4747

• What: 5-day supply; up to two visits per month
• Who: Gahanna-Jefferson School District or 43230
• When: Tue 6–8 p.m.; Wed 10 a.m.–12 p.m.; Sat 9–11 a.m.
• How: Walk in
• Docs: Photo ID, proof of address, household size

Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church Pantry

3161 E. 5th Ave. | (614) 371-7627

• What: Emergency food, twice per month
• Who: Anyone. Third party pickup allowed with note and IDs
• When: Wed 8:30–11:30 a.m.
• How: Walk in
• Docs: Photo ID for adults; birth certs for children

Canal Winchester Community Food Pantry

360 W. Waterloo St. | (614) 834-4700

• What: Emergency food, twice per month
• Who: Canal Winchester or Carroll School District; listed ZIPs
• When: Mon–Tue 1–3 p.m.; 1st and 3rd Wed 1–3 p.m.; 2nd and 4th Wed 4–6 p.m.
• How: Call 24 hours ahead to schedule, then show up that date
• Docs: ID for everyone and proof of address

West Side Food Pantries

Crossroads World Ministries

165 S. Cypress Ave. | (614) 596-1524

• What: Food pantry
• Who: Based on need
• When: Fri 4:30 p.m. until gone (pre-signup by phone at 1 p.m.)
• Docs: None

Gladden Community House

318 S. Glenwood Ave. | (614) 228-2498

• What: Emergency food, free daily produce, diapers when available
• Who: 43222, 43223, 43215 west of river; monthly
• When: Mon–Fri 11 a.m.–2:45 p.m.
• How: Call or walk in. Delivery for homebound seniors or disabled
• Docs: Photo ID and mail to verify address

Heart to Heart Food Pantry (First Community Church)

1320 Cambridge Blvd. | (614) 488-0681

• What: Drive-thru pantry
• Who: All welcome
• When: Tue and Thu 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
• How: One visit per month
• Docs: Photo ID for head of household

Church Triumphant

1001 Vera Pl. | (614) 272-6256

• What: Pantry box with canned, dry, meat and produce when available
• Notes: Drive-through pantry twice a month

Our Lady of Guadalupe Food Pantry

409 Industry Dr.

• What: Pre-packaged food boxes
• Who: Based on need
• When: Wed and Thu 9:30–11 a.m. and 12–1:30 p.m.
• How: Appointments via HandsOn Central Ohio 614-341-2282
• Docs: ID

Hilliard Food Pantry

3691 Main St., Warehouse 839 | (614) 363-4159

• What: Choice pantry
• Who: Listed ZIPs
• When: Tue 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m.; Wed 2–4 p.m.; Thu 5:30–7:30 p.m.; Sat 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
• How: Two visits per month; utility help once every 12 months
• Docs: Photo ID and proof of address

What to Bring

• Photo ID if you have it
• Proof of address for adults if required
• Documents for kids if required (birth certificate, insurance card, school letter)
• Reusable bags if you can

Extra Help and Donations

• Find food near you with Mid-Ohio Food Collective and FreshTrak. 
• Need other services like housing or utilities help? Call 211. 
• Want to help? Donate to the Mid-Ohio Food Collective here or Volunteer your time here.

Thank Yous

This roundup is based on Columbus Public Health’s Neighborhood Social Work resource list. Thank you to them for providing all of this information and always being there to help those in need!

Visit the City of Columbus Public Health’s website for more information here.

Food & Drink News

Attention Central Ohio Business Owners!

We built the Step Out advertising program for local businesses that want to get in front of locals in Central Ohio — people actively looking for places to eat, shop, and explore.

A business we advertised even had to hire 2 more people after working with us.

Curious if we’re a good fit for your business?
👉 Learn about our audience 

Already thinking, “This sounds perfect for us”?
👉 Learn more about our ads