Mid-Ohio Foodbank

Right food, right time, right place.

We are a hub of generosity, providing food for over 140,000 meals a day to help provide for families. The Mid-Ohio Foodbank has the advanced logistics & warehouse to distribute millions of pounds of food — nearly 65% fresh — to our communities.

Find food.

If you need food, we can connect
you with food and support.

Go to FreshTrak

Ending Hunger. Starts with People.

We’re able to do all we do thanks to you!
Your generous donations, volunteer time and advocacy for those in
need help stabilize families in our region.

We are an advanced logistics organization and the 5th largest produce distributing food bank in the United States.

BY THE NUMBERS

60+% of the food we distribute is fresh

One in four Ohio children are at risk of hunger

For every dollar donated, MOFC can distribute up to $4.56 in groceries.

Surplus agriculture products from more than 100 Ohio farmers, growers and producers

In 2022, 497,000 miles driven

A food bank has collective buying power and centralized storage, logistics, food distribution and data tracking and analysis. Works like a warehouse.

A food pantry or Market has local access to nutritious food, free of charge, for families in need. Serves like a store.

While community food drives and individual donations are extremely valuable, the scale of our work requires the support of donors in the manufacturing, warehouse/logistics, produce/agriculture and food services industries.

What can be donated?

Assorted Non-Foods
Baby Foods/Formulas
Beverages
Bread Products
Cereals
Complete Meals
Dairy Products
Desserts
Dressings
Fruits – Fresh, Dried, Canned, or Frozen
Grains
Health/Beauty Supplies
Home Cleaning Supplies
Juices

Meats/Poultry
Mixed/Assorted Foods
Non-Dairy-Dairy Products
Nutritional Aids
Paper Products – House
Paper Products – Personal
Paper Products – Food Service
Pastas
Pet Food/Pet Care Products
Proteins Non-Meat
Rices
Snacks/Cookies
Spices/Condiments/Sauces
Vegetables – Fresh, Dried, Canned, or Frozen

If you are unsure whether or not to donate because of quality, dating, or packaging, give us a call!

What can NOT be donated?

Alcohol

Tobacco

CBD Products

Fire arms

Homemade/home-processed foods

Hazardous chemicals

Food shelf life and the dates on donations.

“Best by” and “sell by” indicate quality while “use by” indicates safety.

Best By

“Best by” dates mark the last day before food quality declines.

Sell By

“Sell by” is used by manufacturers to ensure turnover of a food product in the store, to ensure product is taken home before quality declines.

Use By

“Use by” marks the last date recommended for the use of the product. This is often printed on meat, poultry or egg labels.

Check out the FoodKeeper App

Establish a donor account by filling out the form and an acquisition representative will reach out to you.

How do I donate?

For individual food donations.

Please contact your local food pantry or meal site to see if they can accept donations.

Find a food assistance site near you

Additional questions about your donation?

Whether its arranging drop-off or scheduling one of our trucks that can accommodate for all sizes of donations, we’re here to help.

Victoria Brown Director,
Food Resource
Development

The partnership we share with more than 680 partner agencies across our 20-county service area is crucial to our mission. It’s these food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, after-school programs, and senior housing sites that ensure the food we deliver gets to the people who need it most. And their impact is incredible: providing thousands of meals each and every day.

Why donate?

Tax benefits.

Check with your financial advisor to learn more about the tax benefits associated with donating food.

The Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Act protects those who make good faith donations from liability.

Donations of food from grocers, food distributors, farmers, and community members provide a much-needed supplement to the food we receive from government agencies. You can help by donating nonperishable foods and fresh produce.

Learn more

From your farm to the front line.

You donate surplus crops. Your excess produce may be packed in cases, bins, or bushel crates. You are not required to give detailed information about the produce you provide, as long as it is donated in good faith.

Donating is green!

Helps with waste minimization.

Reduces trash/dumpster fees.

Recycles useful product avoiding landfills.

Cycles through product more quickly.

Mid-Ohio Foodbank has teamed up with 4-H and county fairs to put locally-raised meat on the tables of our hungry neighbors.

Animals will be selected at county fair auctions. Once a buyer wins the auction and pays the premium bid and market value, they can donate the animal to Mid-Ohio Foodbank. The Foodbank will handle transportation and the harvesting and processing fees. Donors will receive a donation receipt for a possible tax deduction.