Sem Food Pantry

Who Can Visit?

SEM Food Pantry is open to any household that meets income eligibility guidelines. In Ohio, any household living at or below 200% of the federal poverty level is eligible. These guidelines are based on family size and are updated each year. As of the end of 2024, the pantry opened its doors to anyone who qualifies financially — no matter where you live.

Visitors must call ahead to schedule an appointment before coming to the pantry. Walk-ins are not guaranteed, as the pantry can only serve a limited number of households per shift.

How to Register?

1. Call 513-231-1412 to schedule an appointment. Call before 9:00 AM and they will call you back before 10:00 AM when they open. Appointments can only be made 24 hours in advance.
2. You can also message them at semfoodpantry@gmail.com or through semfoodpantry.org/contact-us. Include your name, preferred day, and time.
3. When you arrive, check in with the Client Interface volunteer, who will verify your identity and confirm your address.

If you can't come yourself, a neighbor, friend, or family member can pick up food for you. They will need: a written note naming them as your proxy, a photocopy of their ID, and proof that you meet the income requirements.

Items Needed for Registration

When you arrive, the pantry will verify your identity and confirm your address. Bring:

• A photo ID
• A piece of mail to verify your address

How Often You Can Visit?

You can visit once every 30 days.

Good to Know

• Each shopping visit takes about 30 minutes.
• The pantry can serve 4 households every 15 minutes, so call ahead to avoid missing a slot for the day.
• The pantry is closed on snow days when Forest Hills Schools are closed.
• A shelf of items is kept outside the pantry during closed hours that anyone can take.
• If you don't have a car, you can come with a neighbor, friend, or family member — just let the pantry know, and they will schedule you in the same time slot. Each household will still count separately and receive food.

Food & Essentials

SEM Food Pantry offers a wide variety of shelf-stable foods, including:

• Pasta and pasta sauce
• Macaroni and cheese
• Canned beans, dry beans, and dry rice
• Canned meats and tuna
• Canned vegetables and fruits
• Peanut butter, jelly, and bread
• Soup and cereal

The pantry also receives donated food from local retail partners, which can include fresh produce, bakery items, and frozen meat. Reviewers have mentioned receiving meat, butter, milk, fresh vegetables, and frozen foods including chicken and seafood. What is available can vary from day to day. Cleaning supplies such as dish soap, laundry detergent, bar soap, and toilet paper are also provided. Pet food may be available as well.

How to Pick Up

SEM Food Pantry is a client-choice pantry, meaning you shop like you would at a grocery store — you pick the items you want rather than receiving a pre-packed bag. A client assistant shops alongside you, helping you select food based on your family size and preferences. Once you are done, the assistant helps pack and carry your food to your car.

Additional Support

• The pantry can provide information and referrals to other resources. Reviewers noted that staff helped connect a displaced family with additional help and shared information about other pantries.
• Free tax preparation through United Way of Greater Cincinnati is available during tax season. Visit uwgc.org/find-help/free-tax-prep to schedule an appointment.
• For immediate food needs, call 513-231-1412 — the pantry makes every effort to respond to requests as quickly as possible.

Ways to Give

SEM Food Pantry welcomes monetary donations, food donations, and personal care items. The pantry purchases all of its shelf-stable foods and cleaning supplies, so financial gifts make a direct difference.

Donate online: paypal.com/biz/fund?id=S8G3QLX3Q6W36

Drop off donations at the pantry during business hours:

• 2020 Beechmont Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45230
• Monday–Friday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Tuesday Evening: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
• Saturday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Suggested non-perishable items to donate:

• Soups and stews
• Grain breakfast items
• Canned or dried beans
• Pasta sauce and canned tomatoes
• Shelf-stable milk
• Canned vegetables
• Rice
• Canned fish or meat
• Peanut butter or other nut butters
• Individually wrapped toothbrushes
• Shampoo and conditioner

Workplaces, schools, and community groups are welcome to host food or personal care drives. Contact the pantry to schedule a pickup.

How to Join the Team?

SEM Food Pantry is run entirely by volunteers — there are no paid positions. There are several ways to help:

• Client Assistant – Shop alongside clients and help carry food to their car.
• Stocker – Unload donations and stock shelves (weekday shifts, must arrive by 9:00 AM).
• Pick-Up Volunteer – Drive the pantry van or your own vehicle to collect donations from donor locations, typically on weekdays starting as early as 8:30 AM.
• Client Interface – Answer phones, schedule appointments, and check clients in using the computer tracking system. This role requires some training alongside an experienced volunteer.

To apply, fill out the volunteer interest form on the pantry website at semfoodpantry.org/volunteers. You will be asked for your contact information, preferred volunteer roles, and any scheduling restrictions. No prior training is required for most positions — training is done on the job.