Mid-Ohio Market at Gantz Road is open to qualified families who meet income guidelines. You'll need to share how many people are in your household and their ages, as well as your household income. This information is self-reported and no proof is required at the time of service. You'll also be asked to sign that everything you shared is correct.
You do need a mailing address to receive food here. If you don't have one, you won't be able to get food at this location.
On your first visit, bring a photo ID and a current piece of mail that shows your address. Having both makes the check-in process smooth and quick.
You can visit once a week to pick up food for your household.
Expect a wait before you get inside. Depending on the day and time, you could wait anywhere from 45 minutes to a few hours. The best way to avoid a long wait is to check in online before you arrive using the QR code at the entrance, or by joining the waitlist at the Get in Line Online link. You'll get a text when it's your turn, so you don't have to stand in line the whole time. Going later in the afternoon is also a good way to beat the crowd. Bring a fully charged phone since you'll need it to check in.
Volunteers will help push your cart to your car when you're done shopping.
The market stocks a wide variety of fresh produce including fruits and vegetables. You can often find meat and frozen food items as well, though availability can vary by day and time. The market regularly offers bread and pantry staples like canned goods, boxed, and bagged items. Dairy products like milk and eggs are sometimes available. If you visit later in the day, there's a better chance of finding meat.
Items are labeled with the quantity you're allowed to take in multiple languages and with fingers for easy counting, making it inclusive for everyone.
Mid-Ohio Market at Gantz Road is set up like a real grocery store. You walk through the aisles and pick your own items off the shelves. Volunteers stand at each section to help you find things and answer questions. There's no limit on certain items like bread when extras are available. When you're done, a volunteer checks your cart to make sure quantities are right, then helps you bring everything to your car.
Items are labeled in multiple languages with the amount you can take, including pictures for people who may speak another language or need extra help.
Mid-Ohio Food Collective offers several support services connected to the market:
SNAP Help: The team can help you apply for SNAP benefits (food stamps) or walk you through the eligibility guidelines. You can call 614-782-5503 for help or apply online at benefits.ohio.gov.
Health Care Access Support: Staff can help you find and enroll in low-cost or free health insurance that fits your needs and budget, at no cost to you.
CSFP (Commodity Supplemental Food Program): Eligible seniors aged 60 and over can receive monthly food parcels that include items like cheese, juice, cereal, pasta, peanut butter, and canned goods.
WIC: Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and children up to age five, may be able to get food, education, and support through this program.
Other referrals: The team can connect you with job training, childcare help, cash assistance, Medicaid, and emergency assistance (PRC) through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. You can also call 211 anytime to reach Lutheran Social Services for help finding food, housing, and other community support.
Proxy pickup: If you can't come in yourself, you can fill out a permission form and send a trusted person to pick up food on your behalf.
Mid-Ohio Food Collective welcomes donations to support the market and all of its programs. You can give online at give.mofc.org, set up a recurring monthly donation, mail a check to Mid-Ohio Food Collective, P.O. Box 182883, Columbus, Ohio 43218-2883, or make a tribute gift in honor of someone. Corporate giving, stock gifts, IRA distributions, and donor-advised fund contributions are also accepted. For questions about giving, email lmarks@mofc.org or ctruax@mofc.org.
Volunteers are needed at Mid-Ohio Market to welcome shoppers, stock shelves, and help people find what they need. This role is great for individuals who enjoy customer service and want to connect with the community. Volunteers should be at least 16 years old. You can sign up at mofb.volunteerhub.com. Group and corporate volunteering opportunities are also available.
Anyone who needs food is welcome here. You'll share how many people live in your household and their ages. You must meet income guidelines to receive food, but this is self-reported — no proof of inco
You must live in one of these four zip codes to qualify for food assistance: 43123, 43126, 43146, or 43119. Before your first visit, you'll also need to make an appointment through LSS 211 Central Ohi
See pantry page for visit details
The Crossroads Food Pantry serves people who live in the 43204 or 43223 zip codes. You don't need a referral, and you don't need to call ahead to make an appointment. Just show up during pantry hours.
Leave A Mark Church runs its CareBox food pantry on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month. Anyone in need is welcome to come.