Free Food Available

Jewish Family Service Heldman Family Food Pantry

Food Pantry with a full array of kosher food that serves the Greater Cincinnati Jewish community. The center offers a holistic approach to wellness by placing care management, emergency financial assistance, supportive counseling, a food pantry, health classes, and therapeutic socialization activities all under one roof. 

https://www.jfscinti.org/services/mental-health-wellness/vital-support-center/

Barbash Family Vital Support Center, 3113 Clifton Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45220 (on the campus of Hebrew Union College)

513-469-1188

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)

The Food Assistance Program − formerly called food stamps and known nationally as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) − helps eligible low-income Ohioans stretch their food budgets and buy healthy food. Food assistance benefits are distributed electronically through the Ohio Direction Card, which is similar to a debit card. In January 2022, the average monthly SNAP payment per recipient was about $246. https://jfs.ohio.gov/factsheets/foodassistance.pdf

Eligibility Requirements:

• Household income at or under 130% of federal poverty level

• Households over that income may qualify is someone in the household is elderly or disabled

• Must interview with Hamilton County JFS

Apply:

• • Online

  • By mail

    • • Printed forms available at Hamilton County JFS, 222 E Central Pkwy, Cincinnati, OH 45202

      • Print the Form

        • • English

          • Spanish

Produce Perks (FREE Fresh Fruits & Vegetables)

Shop with SNAP/EBT and P-EBT at participating locations and get FREE fruits and vegetables. The Produce Perks program provides a $25 match on SNAP/EBT and P-EBT purchases, so any amount you spend on SNAP/EBT or P-EBT items, up to $25, will be matched $1-for-$1 for buying FREE fruits and vegetables.  You do not have to sign up for the Produce Perks program. Simply show up at the farmers’ market or grocery store with your EBT or P-EBT card, and you’re ready to go! Learn More > 

Shopping at a farmers' market? visit the farmers market information booth before you shop, swipe your SNAP/EBT card, and you'll receive a $1 – for – $1 match (up to $25 per day) with Produce Perks tokens, which you can then use to get FREE fruits and vegetables.

Shopping at a grocery store? Shop for SNAP/EBT or P-EBT eligible items using your SNAP/EBT card and you'll receive a $1 – for – $1 match (up to $25 per day) with Produce Perks tokens to get FREE fruits and vegetables. Note that each store is a little different. Some will give you a coupon for FREE fruits and vegetables, some will give you a discount on the fruits and vegetables you buy that day. 

Find a Participation Location >

Once every other week, you can shop at the Healing Center's Marketplace Food Pantry, a food pantry that feels more like a market. Food items ranging from fresh produce to frozen meats, dairy, and canned goods, bread and pantry staples. See calendar above for pantry days and times. More Info >

11345 Century Circle W. Springdale, OH 45246 (in TriCounty)

(The Metro Bus route line # 78, Springdale - Vine, picks up and drops off right across from the Healing Center.)

513-346-4080

You can shop their choice food pantry once a month for a 3 day supply of food based on your family size. They offer a wide selection of food. Personal care products and baby formula/baby food are often available. See calendar above for pantry days and times. More Info >

420 W. Wyoming Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45215 (in Lockland near the post office)

(513) 821-3233

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children - better known as the WIC program - serves to safeguard the health of low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk by providing nutritious foods to supplement diets, information on healthy eating including breastfeeding promotion and support, and referrals to health care. 

Offers: Support for breastfeeding, Infant formula, Food assistance, Nutrition education at WIC clinics, Screening and referrals to helpful resources.

Sign-Up By: 

• Check to see if you qualify using their PreScreening Tool

• Make an Appointment at a WIC Clinic

  • The closest WIC Clinics to our area:

    • • Winton Hills Health Center, 5275 Winneste Avenue Cincinnati 45232 (513-242-1720)

      • Family Nurturing Center, 7162 Reading Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45237 (513-381-1555)

  • Or Check the Ohio Department of Health's Map of WIC Clinics

  • * You do not need to show proof of citizenship to qualify; just an ID, proof that you live in Ohio, etc. 

Meals on Wheels

Delivers free or low-cost meals to seniors (and their pets if needed) at their home. Special diets can be accommodated with a doctor's order.

Apply:

• Call the Council on Aging at 513-721-1025 or 800-252-0155

Ohio Food Assistance Program (SNAP)

The Food Assistance Program provides food assistance benefits through the Ohio Direction Card (similar to a debit card). In January 2022, the average monthly SNAP payment per recipient was about $246. https://jfs.ohio.gov/factsheets/foodassistance.pdf

Eligibility Requirements:

• Household income at or under 130% of federal poverty level

• Households over that income may qualify is someone in the household is elderly or disabled

Apply:

• • Online

  • By mail

    • • Printed forms available at Hamilton County JFS, 222 E Central Pkwy, Cincinnati, OH 45202

      • Print the Form

        • • English

          • Spanish

Farmers' Market Nutrition Program 

A USDA program that provides fresh, nutritious, unprepared locally grown fruits, vegetables, herbs and honey through farmers markets, roadside stands and community supported agriculture programs. Eligible seniors who apply receive 10, $5 coupons to redeem during the growing season at participating farmers’ markets. All coupons expire October 31.  https://www.help4seniors.org/programs-services/senior-farmers-market-program

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must Live in Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Hamilton, or Warren counties

• Be age 60 or older

• Household income less than 185% of federal poverty level

Apply:

• Apply online

• Call the Council on Aging at 513-721-1025 or 800-252-0155 and Select Option 2 to request an application be mailed to you

• ** Must reapply each year.

Speak to a trained professional who can connect you to essential community services — 24/7, 365 days a year. Translation services available.

Their certified information and referral specialists are trained to listen, engage, ask questions, assess your needs and connect you to a community resource from our large database of local providers in the tristate.

Search United Way's Database of Assistance Sources >

How to Contact Them

Dial 211 or 513-721-7900

Text "211CARES" to 51555

Online Request - https://www.uwgc.org/get-help/united-way-211/intake-form

What Can 211 Help With?

The 211 service can help you find and access a number of resources (kind of like a Google search specifically for finding assistance for your situation). Below are just a few of the things they can help you find:

BASIC NEEDS: Food, Clothing, Cleaning Supplies, Low-Income Help, Transportation, Community Meals, Fresh Food, Housing, Child Care, Baby Supplies (Food, Diapers, etc.)

HOUSING: Tenant Rights, Public Housing, Rent Assistance, Mortgage Help, Homelessness, Relocation, Section 8, Care Shelters (Abuse, Youth, Elderly, Homeless, Women, Families), Senior Housing, Housing Complaints, Emergency Assistance

UTILITIES: We can help if you're struggling to pay bills or deposits for Electric/Power, Gas, Heat, Sewer, Water, Telecommunications (including Internet Access) and more.

MENTAL SERVICES: Support Groups, Therapy Referrals, Care Providers, Family Counseling, Counseling Providers, Adult and Child Behavioral Health Programs and Support, Bereavement and Grief Support, Identifying Mental Health Support Providers, Psychiatric Support Services, Specialized Support Hotlines.

HEALTH CARE: Health Screenings, Diagnostic Services, Substance Abuse Services, Immunization, Disability Information, New Parent and Expectant Parent Servies, Vaccinations, Prescription Medication Discounts, and more.

EMPLOYMENT SERVICES: Job Training, Career Fairs, Continuing Education, Employment Agencies, General Employment Resources and Career Counseling Services.