With the recent impacts of SNAP funding issues affecting many Athens residents, we encourage folks to follow our Facebook page where we regularly share up-to-date resources to access free and low-cost food options. The following are additional resources that may be helpful:
December 16, 5-6:30 pm — Heritage Community Clinic is hosting a Community Food Pantry Distribution event from 5-6:30 pm at 16 West Green Drive. If you have questions about eligibility, call 740-593-2432.
Additional pantries are listed on the Chamber of Commerce website.
Athens County Food Pantry (13183 State Route 13, Millfield) is open 10-3 pm. 740-590-7051.
Operation Full Belly (13183 State Route 13, Millfield) is open 9-4 pm. 740-797-2523.
HAPCAP Emergency Food Pantry (35222 Hocking Dr. in Logan) is open from 9-2 for those with incomes under 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. They ask that households only visit once a month and, if possible, bring your own bags. Call 740-767-1080 with any questions.
Salvation Army (70 N. Plains Rd., The Plains) runs a food pantry as well. Please call 740-797-1305 for help from Mon-Thurs from 10-2 pm.
Feed My Sheep Pantry (8279 Scott Rd., New Marshfield) is open Monday from 1-2 pm. 740-664-3508.
Albany Baptist Church's Basic Needs Ministry (5331 State St., Albany) is open 10-12 pm the second Monday of each month and 6-8 pm the fourth Monday of each month. Note: They only serve those within 10 miles of Albany. 740-698-3163.
Coolville Fire Department (2770 6th St., Coolville) hosts a pantry the fourth Monday of each month from 11-12 pm.
Athens County Food Pantry (13183 State Route 13, Millfield) is open 10-3 pm. 740-590-7051.
Operation Full Belly (13183 State Route 13, Millfield) is open 9-4 pm. 740-797-2523.
HAPCAP Emergency Food Pantry (35222 Hocking Dr. in Logan) is open from 9-2 for those with incomes under 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. They ask that households only visit once a month and, if possible, bring your own bags. Call 740-767-1080 with any questions.
Salvation Army (70 N. Plains Rd., The Plains) runs a food pantry as well. Please call 740-797-1305 for help from Mon-Thurs from 10-2 pm.
Athens County Food Pantry (13183 State Route 13, Millfield) is open 10-3 pm. 740-590-7051.
Operation Full Belly (13183 State Route 13, Millfield) is open 9-4 pm. 740-797-2523.
HAPCAP Emergency Food Pantry (35222 Hocking Dr. in Logan) is open from 9-2 for those with incomes under 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. They ask that households only visit once a month and, if possible, bring your own bags. Call 740-767-1080 with any questions.
Salvation Army (70 N. Plains Rd., The Plains) runs a food pantry as well. Please call 740-797-1305 for help from Mon-Thurs from 10-2 pm.
Friends and Neighbors (2715 Lottridge Rd., Coolville) runs a food pantry from 11-4 pm. 740-667-0684.
Athens County Food Pantry (13183 State Route 13, Millfield) is open 10-3 pm, except for the third Thursday of each month. 740-590-7051.
Athens Catholic Community Food Pantry (13183 State Route 13, Millfield) is open 11-3 pm the third Thursday of each month. 740-592-3828.
Operation Full Belly (13183 State Route 13, Millfield) is open 9-4 pm. 740-797-2523.
HAPCAP Emergency Food Pantry (35222 Hocking Dr. in Logan) is open from 9-2 for those with incomes under 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. They ask that households only visit once a month and, if possible, bring your own bags. Call 740-767-1080 with any questions.
Salvation Army (70 N. Plains Rd., The Plains) runs a food pantry as well. Please call 740-797-1305 for help from Mon-Thurs from 10-2 pm.
Nelsonville Food Cupboard (1950 Mount Saint Marys Dr., Nelsonville) is open from 12-3 pm. Note: This regularly runs Fri & Sat, and is only running Thurs until SNAP is back up and runnning fully. 740-753-3810.
The Plains Methodist Church (3 N. Plains Rd., The Plains) runs a pantry the second Thursday of each month from 11-12 pm. You must pre-register and can do so by calling 1-877-704-3663.
Operation Full Belly (13183 State Route 13, Millfield) is open 9-4 pm. 740-797-2523.
Friends and Neighbors (2715 Lottridge Rd., Coolville) runs a food pantry from 11-4 pm. 740-667-0684.
Nelsonville Food Cupboard (1950 Mount Saint Marys Dr., Nelsonville) is open from 12-3 pm. 740-753-3810.
Athens County Food Pantry (13183 State Route 13, Millfield) is open 10-3 pm the first Saturday of each month.
Greater Works Outreach Worship Center (200 Fort St., Nelsonville) runs a pantry the fourth Saturday of each month from 10-1 pm. 740-753-4353.
Nelsonville Food Cupboard (1950 Mount Saint Marys Dr., Nelsonville) is open from 12-3 pm. 740-753-3810.
Bethel Worship Center (39782 State Route 7, Coolville) is open 11-1 pm the first Saturday of each month. 740-667-6793.
Torch UMC/Feed My Sheep (29023 Torch Rd., Torch) runs a pantry Sundays from 12-1 pm. 304-916-3483.
Federal Valley Resource Center (8225 State Route 329, Stewart) runs a pantry the last Sunday of each month from 12:30-1:30 pm. 740-662-5605.
Please double-check with the restaurants - especially for anything ongoing - in case information has changed.
Ongoing — Avalanche Pizza is offering a FREE spaghetti kids dinner Sun-Thurs for SNAP recipients showing their card at the main location on E. State Street. Dinner consists of spaghetti, marinara, parmigiano, meatballs, one cup of fruit cocktail, and 2 large breadsticks. You'll need to reheat this in the microwave or oven. Again, please verify with them, as this offer was made Nov 12, prior to SNAP funding going through.
November 17-26 — Mitzi Lou's (817 W. Union St.) is hosting a Thanksgiving special for $10. The meal includes a main course (either oven-roasted turkey breast, pineapple glazed ham, or turkey & noodles over mashed potatoes), 2 sides (mashed potatoes & gravy, green beans, corn, roasted Brussel sprouts, dressing, or a side salad), and a desert (mini pies - either apple, pecan, or pumpkin, NY style cheesecake - either plain, strawberry, or caramel, or peanut butter pie). Mitzi Lou's is open Mon-Thurs 10-8, Fri 10-10, and Sat 4-10. (Note: On 11/23, Mitzi Lou's announced they will now be closed Thanksgiving through the end of November. Dates have been adjusted to match.)
November 25, 5-7 pm — The Trimble High School Student Council and The Boys & Girls Club of Glouster are hosting a community Thanksgiving dinner from 5-7 pm at 1 Tomcat Dr in Glouster. They're offering to-go boxes this year as well! For more information, reach out to Kimberly Christa at 740-707-2852 or kimberlychrista077@gmail.com.
November 26 — Flour &Thyme is giving away at least 12 apple or pumpkin pies (number may grow) to community members dealing with food insecurity. Please reach out to them via Facebook or email (flour.and.thyme22@gmail.com) to reserve. They're also accepting donations from community members - which will have the greatest effect if giving by November 22 - via Venmo (@flour-and-thyme) or PayPal (Flour & Thyme Micro-Bakery LLC).
November 26, 5 pm — United campus Ministry (18 N. College St.) and Black Panthers Legacy are hosting a Thanksgiving dinner with nontraditional foods, including vegan & vegetarian options. Contact connect@ucmathens.org with questions.
November 27, 1-3 pm (or until food runs out) — Kiser's Barbeque (355 E. State St.) is hosting their 2nd Annual FREE Thanksgiving Feast. Menu includes smoked turkey, gravy, chicken & noodles, mashed potatoes, collard greens, 3-cheese macaroni, vegetarian main dish, dressing, salad, rolls, and desert. You're welcome to dine-in or take a to-go box.
November 27, 1-4 pm — VFW Post 7174 (12 Pine St., The Plains) is hosting a FREE Thanksgiving dinner. They ask that those attending consider calling 740-797-4946 to let them know how many people you'll be bringing - that way, they can try to be sure they have enough food for everyone.
November 27, 5-7 pm — Tavolino (9 N. Shafer St.) is hosting their 8th Annual Community Meal. Monetary donations are accepted here.
December 6, 8-11 am — The Plains Volunteer Fire Department (29 Connett Rd., The Plains) is hosting their annual FREE breakfast with Santa & the Grinch. They'll have pancakes, sausage links, coffee, hot cocoa, orange juice, and apple juice. Photos with Santa & the Grinch are available.
Athens First United Methodist Church (2 S. College St.) hosts lunch from 12-1 pm. Dine-in & carryout available, as well as a pantry table, outside blessing box, clothing, books, and more. 740-593-3977.
Athens Community Center & SE Ohio Foodbank (701 E. State St., Suite 101) holds lunch from 11:30-12:30 pm. 740-385-6813 extension 2217.
Note: Any senior 60+ years of age, plus their caregiver or spouse regardless of age, can eat for free. Anyone under 60 can reserve a meal and join their senior friends for $5.00. Seniors must call to reserve their lunch by 8am the day of.
Tavolino (9 N. Shafer St.) hosts lunch from 11-2 pm. Dine-in & carryout available, as well as a pantry table and outside blessing box. 740-592-2004.
Athens Community Center & SE Ohio Foodbank (701 E. State St., Suite 101) holds lunch from 11:30-12:30 pm. 740-385-6813 extension 2217.
Note: Any senior 60+ years of age, plus their caregiver or spouse regardless of age, can eat for free. Anyone under 60 can reserve a meal and join their senior friends for $5.00. Seniors must call to reserve their lunch by 8am the day of.
Athens Church of Christ (785 W. Union St.) hosts supper from 5:30-6:15 pm. You must call by noon on Mondays to reserve your spot for this drive-through carryout only meal. 740-593-7414.
United Campus Ministry Center (18 N. College St.) hosts lunch from 12-1:30 pm. Dine-in and carryout available, as well as a pantry table. 740-593-7301.
Friends and Neighbors Community Center (54567 Parkersburg Rd., Coolville) hosts lunch from 12-1 pm. 740-667-0684.
Athens Community Center & SE Ohio Foodbank (701 E. State St., Suite 101) holds lunch from 11:30-12:30 pm. 740-385-6813 extension 2217.
Note: Any senior 60+ years of age, plus their caregiver or spouse regardless of age, can eat for free. Anyone under 60 can reserve a meal and join their senior friends for $5.00. Seniors must call to reserve their lunch by 8am the day of.
First Wednesday of each month — Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd (64 University Terrace) hosts lunch from 12-1 pm. Dine-in and carryout available, as well as a pantry table, thrift store, and outside blessing box. 740-593-6877.
During OU fall & spring semesters — First Presbyterians Church of Athens (2 N. Court St.) hosts lunch from 11:30-1 pm.
Athens Community Center & SE Ohio Foodbank (701 E. State St., Suite 101) holds lunch from 11:30-12:30 pm. 740-385-6813 extension 2217.
Note: Any senior 60+ years of age, plus their caregiver or spouse regardless of age, can eat for free. Anyone under 60 can reserve a meal and join their senior friends for $5.00. Seniors must call to reserve their lunch by 8am the day of.
United Campus Ministry Center (18 N. College St.) hosts supper from 5-6:30 pm. Dine-in and carryout available, as well as a pantry table. 740-593-7301.
Third Thursday of each month — Christ Community Wesleyan Church (6275 Kenney Memorial Lane, Albany) hosts dinner from 5:30-6:30 pm. 740-698-2292.
Last Thursday of each month — Albany United Methodist Church (5164 W. Clinton St., Albany) hosts dinner from 6-7 pm. 740-591-6070.
Friends and Neighbors Community Center (54567 Parkersburg Rd., Coolville) hosts lunch from 12-1 pm. 740-667-0684.
Athens Community Center & SE Ohio Foodbank (701 E. State St., Suite 101) holds lunch from 11:30-12:30 pm. 740-385-6813 extension 2217.
Note: Any senior 60+ years of age, plus their caregiver or spouse regardless of age, can eat for free. Anyone under 60 can reserve a meal and join their senior friends for $5.00. Seniors must call to reserve their lunch by 8am the day of.
Good Works, Inc. hosts dinner from 4:30-7:30 pm. From April to September, this is at the Luhrig Road Recreation Facilties. From October to March, they hold this at The Plains United Methodist Church. Dine-in and carryout available. 740-594-3339.
Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd (64 University Terrace) hosts lunch from 12-1 pm. Carryout only. There is also a thrift store and outside blessing box.
Third Saturday of each month — Nelsonville Cornerstone Church (785 Jackson St., Nelsonville) hosts supper from 4-7 pm in their Fellowship Hall.
Nelsonville Community Dinner is held Sundays at 5 pm. Location does move around. They try to also assist with rides to & from the dinner, where possible. For more details, visit the group's public Facebook group.
2nd and last Sunday of each month — Food Not Bombs' Vegan Meal is held from 4-6 pm at Athens Armory Park (2 W. Carpenter St. with a rain location of 18 N. College St.). Dine-in and carryout available, as well as a pantry table, and hygiene & harm-reduction supplies. fnbathens@gmail.com
1st day of each month — Lunch is available at Arts West Community Center (132 W. State St.) from 12-2 pm. 740-592-4315.
Athens Community Center - 701 E. State Street
Baker Center - 1 Park Place (second floor)
Holzier - 2131 E. State Street (surgery side of building)
Hope Drive Apartments - 804 Hope Drive
Metropolitan Housing - 10 Hope Drive
Market on State - 1005 E. State Street (inside)
New Beginnings Church - 8960 United Lane
OhioMeansJobs–Athens County - 510 W. Union Street
Tavolino - 9 N. Shafer Street
The Good Shepard Episcopal Church - 64 University Terrace
38 S. Shafer Street
~219 Columbus Road (near Athens Community Church & Muffler Man)
~8980 United Lane (near Dollar General & Athens Treatment Center)
3244 Pleasant Hill Road (across from Memory Lane Creamery)
Albany United Methodist Church - 5174 W. Clinton Street
Wells Public Library - 5200 Washington Road
Amesville Elementary School - 23 E. Main Street
Carbondale Community Center - 11649 Mine Road
Corner of High & Nye
Athens Co Job & Family Services - 13183 State Route 13
Chauncey Public Library - 29 Converse Street
Coolville Elementary School - 26461 Main Street
Hopewell Health Center - 25716 Wilson Road
Glouster Church of Christ - 32 Fairlawn Avenue
Glouster Public Library - 20 Toledo Street
HAPCAP - 3 Cardaras Drive
Little Italy Pizza - 108 High Street
Lottridge Community Center - 2754 Lottridge Road
US Post Office - 35 S. 6th Street
~34 S 6th Street, in front of the fire station & senior center
Waterloo Township Fire Department - 8224 Hawk Road
Buchtel Village Mayor's Office - 17710 N. Akron Avenue
Nelsonville Public Library - 95 W. Washington Street
Shade Community Center - 2380 Old US 33
Kilvert Community Center - 21120 McGraw Road
New England Community Center - 10808 New England Road
Rome Township Fire Department - 8885 OH 144
The Plains Public Library - 14 S. Plains Road
December 5-20 — The Athena Cinema is hosting a Holiday Film Series & Canned Food Drive, with films being shown on the 5th, 6th, 13th, and 20th.
Project November: Grocery Buddy — Melissa & Ian are running this grocery buddy project, helping to connect 60+ local families with folks who can shop, deliver food, and donate. Additional details in the link.
Athens County Food Pantry — The pantry accepts food donations anytime from 10-3 Mon-Fri at 13183A State Route 13, Millfield OH. They generally could use canned vegetables, peanut butter, canned meats, beef stew/chili, dried nuts & fruits, cereal, and diced tomatoes/sauce. Reach out to info@athenscountyfoodpantry.org with questions.
Athens County DJFS Community Cares Fund Operation Full Belly — There are multiple drop-off locations across Athens, Albany, and Nelsonville, to help get food to people in need. Donations via Venmo or PayPal can be made using the QR codes on the poster below. Non-perishable items can be dropped off at
Athens
OU Credit Union (Shafer St. or E. State St.)
Athens City-County Health Dept
Amvets Post 76
Fairfield Inn & Suites
Merchants National Bank
Save A Lot
Albany
Hilltop Tavern
Nelsonville
Kroger
Shrivers Pharmacy
Ongoing — HAPCAP's Winter Crisis Program has begun. If you are facing having your heat shut off, need help establishing service, or are running out of firewood, you can walk into the HAPCAP office between 8-2:30 Mon-Thurs (although calling ahead - 740-868-1908 - is recommended). You can also set up an appointment online here.
Ongoing — OU staff, faculty, and student members of the Cat's Corner food aid program can access diapers twice a month. Email foodpantry@ohio.edu to learn more or with questions. Pick-up is at Baker Center (1 Park Pl, Room 354).
Ongoing — For diapers, reach out to Athens County Department of Job and Family Services & Bottoms Up Diaper Bank may be able to help with access to diapers.
Ongoing — Medical supplies and equipment (e.g., wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, etc.) are available for FREE from Zero Waste. Request items here.
Ongoing (Tues & Thurs) — Loads of Hope (Good Works' FREE laundromat) is open from 4-7 pm at 100 Central Avenue.
Nov 15-Dec 6 — Donkey Coffee and Glow Forward are organizing a donation drive to collect self-care items, including skincare, hygiene, and makeup products. Drop-off is at Donkey Coffee (17 1/2 W. Washington St.).
December 6, 2-4 pm — Happy Snacking and Fairfield by Marriott are hosting a FREE no spend holiday market at 924 E. State St. They have toys, books, clothes, boots, coats, and more. From 1-3 pm in the same location, Santa and his elves will be around to take pictures and share treats. Kids in attendance will receive a free goodie bag in addition to being able to drop off their letter to Santa in person. Reach out to Krista Brewer (happysnackingathens@gmail.com) with questions or for more information.
December 13 — Common House (9365 Hooper Rd.) is hosting their annual Christmas on Hooper Road event from 8-11 am. If you need winter weather gear or toys, please stop by or contact Common House for more details at 740-860-0357.
Ongoing (Tues 12-1 pm) — TASC of Southeast Ohio runs a peer-to-peer recovery support meeting at 278 W. Union St.
Ongoing (Weds 12:30-3 pm) — Athens City-County Health Department Harm Reduction Clinic (278 W. Union St.) provides substance use counseling, one-to-one exchange, naloxone, and additional limited supplies. Twice a month, there is also on-site HIV and HCV testing, provided by Equitas Health. Community Food Initiatives and local farmers provide fresh produce regularly as well. Call 740-592-4431 with questions.
Nov 15-Dec 6 — Donkey Coffee and Glow Forward are organizing a donation drive to collect self-care items, including skincare, hygiene, and makeup products. Drop-off is at Donkey Coffee (17 1/2 W. Washington St.).
November 26, 9-11:30 am — McConnelsville Primary Care Clinic run by Heritage Community Clinic, located at Main Street Church of Christ (9 N. 4th St., McConnelsville).
November 26, 1-3:30 pm — Chesterhill Primary Care Clinic run by Heritage Community Clinic, located at Chesterhill Church of Christ (7675 South St., Chesterhill).
December 1, 8:30-3:30 pm — Athens Primary Care Clinic run by Heritage Community Clinic, located at Grosvenor West (16 W. Green Dr.).
Ongoing — Zero Waste is always looking for medical supplies and equipment (e.g., wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, etc.) to give out in the community for FREE. If you have items to donate, please check out details about the Medical Donation Program.
November 26, 10-12 pm — The Gathering Place, and the Athens Police Department will be holding a supply drive outside of Walmart (929 E. State St.) for The Athens County Warming Center. They specifically are hoping to collect the following: personal hygiene items (e.g., toothbrushes, lotion, soap, etc.), disposable serving items (e.g., plates, utensils, etc.), trash bags, cleaning supplies, toilet paper, paper towels, non-perishable snacks, hot beverage supplies (e.g., coffee, creamer, sugar, hot cocoa, etc.), bottled water, and things to pass the time (e.g., puzzles, word searches, playing cards, markers, etc.).
By December 2 — Help Common House by donating winter weather gear (hats, gloves, coats, scarves, sweaters) and/or toys - all new or gently used - to be given out at their annual Christmas on Hooper Road event on December 13. Drop off is open at 9365 Hooper Rd. the following dates & times:
Mon, Nov 24 - 10-12 pm
Tues, Dec 2 - 6-8 pm
December 6, 5 pm — Eclipse Company Store, along with Fat Head's Brewery, is hosting a Holiday Toy Drive to benefit the Joys of Toys drive that the Sheriff's Department puts on annually. Bring in a new toy donation and you'll be entered into a Fat Head's Brewery basket raffle! Fat Head's will also be donating $1 for every pint of Fat Head's beer sold to Joys of Toys.
December — The 2025 Santa Tree Project is officially underway! To participate, head to the Market on State and pull an ornament from the tree. Shop for the child listed and return the gifts to Market. If you're not able to help in-person, you can also send a check to 'Friends of Athens County Children Services' at P.O. Box 1046 Athens, OH 45701 or purchase an item from their Amazon wish list.
Athens Metropolitan Housing Authority - 740-592-4481
Buckeye Hills Regional Council – 800-331-2644
Community Food Initiatives - 740-593-5971
Disability Rights Ohio - 614-466-7264
Emergency food line – 1-800-338-4484
Fair Housing Consortium - 740-767-4500
Good Works – 740 -594-3339
Hocking-Athens-Perry County Community Action (HAPCAP) – 740-767-4500
My Sister's Place - 740-594-8337
OhioMeansJobs: Athens County – 740-797-1405; 877-351-0405
Rural Action - 740-677-4047
The Gathering Place – 740-594-7337
United Athens County Tenants - 740-300 1580
United Seniors of Athens County – 740-594-3535