NSI Food Pantry serves neighbors living in these zip codes: 43201, 43202, 43210, 43211, 43212, 43219, 43220, 43221, 43222, 43223, 43224, and 43229. Residents of these zip codes can visit twice per month. If you live in any other Franklin County zip code, you're welcome to shop once per year.
You don't need to call ahead to visit. When you arrive, you'll scan a QR code at the door to book your same-day appointment slot. Appointment slots open one hour before the pantry opens, and they can only be booked on-site, not from home. If you don't have a phone, let the staff know and they can help you with an appointment.
Bring a photo ID, passport, or green card. If you're walking or taking the bus, it's a good idea to bring a grocery cart or reusable bags so you can carry your food home. You can also pick up food on behalf of a friend or family member if you bring their photo ID or a signed proxy letter from them.
If you live in one of NSI's served zip codes (43201, 43202, 43210, 43211, 43212, 43219, 43220, 43221, 43222, 43223, 43224, or 43229), you can visit twice per month. Neighbors from other Franklin County zip codes may visit once per year. You're also welcome to use other food pantries in addition to NSI.
Appointment slots fill up quickly, so it's a good idea to arrive before the pantry opens. Some visitors arrive as early as 9 AM for a 10 AM opening. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, just let the staff know at the time of service and they'll do their best to help. If you have a Produce Rx card, you can use it at NSI anytime to pick up fresh fruits and vegetables.
NSI provides a good variety of food and grocery items including fresh produce like fruits and vegetables, canned goods, soups and broths, rice, pasta and sauce, cereal, peanut butter, canned or dried fruit, canned vegetables, canned meats like tuna, and baked goods including bread. The pantry also distributes personal care items such as toiletries like toothpaste, soap, and deodorant, as well as diapers and wipes for families with young children.
NSI uses a self-select model where visitors choose their own items. When you arrive, scan the QR code at the door to get your same-day appointment slot, then shop for your groceries. Staff are on hand to help with any dietary needs or questions.
Beyond food, NSI offers several social services by appointment. These include Benefits Navigation to help with government programs, Resume and Job Coaching, and Resource Navigation to connect you with outside referrals for things like rent or deposit assistance. You can book these appointments online through the links on the Get Help page.
NSI also runs seasonal programs throughout the year, including Easter Ham giveaways (first come, first served), Thanksgiving Meal Baskets, Back to School Backpacks, and Christmas Toys (RSVP required, sign-ups in person only). Free tax preparation through AARP is available January through April by appointment.
You can support NSI Food Pantry with a secure online donation at their donation page, or by mailing a check to P.O. Box 82331, Columbus, OH 43202. Workplace matching gifts and donor-advised funds are also welcome (NSI Tax ID: 31-0842947). You can also host a food drive. Most-needed donated items include toiletries, diapers and wipes, rice, pasta and sauce, cereal, peanut butter, soups, canned vegetables, canned meats like tuna, and reusable shopping bags. For every $1 donated, NSI can purchase up to $10 worth of food. You can find the full donation wishlist on their Give Help page.
Volunteer shifts run Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM. Additional opportunities are available Fridays from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM as a Stock Room Assistant, and Sundays from 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM. Groups of five or more should email volunteer@nsifoodpantry.org to coordinate. You can sign up for individual shifts through Volunteer Hub. All volunteers need to sign a liability waiver on their first shift. Volunteers aged 16 to 17 need a parent or guardian's signature. Volunteers aged 14 to 15 can join if accompanied by a parent, guardian, or school staff member, and also need a parent or guardian's signature.
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