Providing you and your family access to healthy food
A network of community partners – government, nonprofit, faith-based – are working to ensure that those in Hamilton County who need food are provided that assistance. Some needs are immediate, while others are a long-term strategy. Look into each category and see what works for you. It may be a combination of short-term and long-term relief.
I Need Food Right Now
Freestore Foodbank
Freestore Foodbank partner agencies offer neighborhood food pantries and soup kitchens.
VISIT – https://freestorefoodbank.org/upcoming-food-distributions/
CONTACT – https://freestorefoodbank.org/contact-us/
CALL – (513) 241-1064 – Customer Connection Center
FIND – Below is a map of various food pantries and kitchens in the Tri-State area.
The Fridge Etc. (Cincinnati Free Fridge Project)
The Cincinnati Free Fridge is a network of outdoor refrigerators serving as mini food pantries for those in need.
VISIT – https://www.etcproduce.com/the-fridge-etc
EMAIL – TLC@etcproduce.com
Community Action Agency (CAA)
Community Action Agency in partnership with the Freestore Foodbank, has four mobile locations for people in Hamilton County to get fresh fruits and vegetables and other food items.
VISIT – https://www.cincy-caa.org/what-we-do/supportive-services/mobile-food-pantry.html
CALL – (513) 569-1840
Baby Formula Resources
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, there have been significant shortages of infant formulas in some stores. Current shortages have been largely caused by supply chain issues and the recent voluntary recall of certain baby formula products over concerns about contamination. Below is a link to a list of Frequently Asked Questions, provided by Dr. Steven A. Abrams and Hamilton County Job & Family Services to help families during this difficult time.
INFO – https://www.hcjfs.org/baby-formula-shortage-faqs/The National Hunger Hotline
The National Hunger Hotline is a national service that can help you find food near your home. Call the hotline at 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479) to get help or visit www.whyhunger.org/findfood.
United Way’s 211
Hamilton County residents can call 211 to get help and access a variety of services. Callers can get help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information visit www.uwgc.org.
I Need A Long-Term Plan For Food Security
Hamilton County Job & Family Services
Food Assistance is called SNAP, which stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The goal of SNAP is to help families stretch their food budgets to buy healthy food and to help families meet their basic needs while adults work toward financial stability. JFS has made applying easier, accepting “verbal signatures” over the phone. Also, renewals (reups) with an existing card will be updated the next day.
APPLY – https://www.hcjfs.org/services/food-assistance/how-to-apply-for-food-cash-and-medical-assistance/
CALL – 1 (844) 640-6446
Freestore Foodbank
Freestore Foodbank also provides SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) enrollment, which helps put groceries and food on the table for people experiencing hunger.
VISIT – https://freestorefoodbank.org/benefits-enrollment/
CALL – (513) 381-SNAP (7627)
Help For Seniors
Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio
Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio (COA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing quality of life for older adults, people with disabilities, their families and caregivers.
VISIT – https://www.help4seniors.org/
Meals on Wheels of Southwest OH & Northern KY
Meals on Wheels of Southwest OH & Northern KY delivers food to seniors who might otherwise go hungry. Beyond Meals on Wheels, they also offer seniors transportation services to healthcare appointments and independent living assistance for those who need help managing their bills, scheduling appointments and the like.