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Resources for Staff Who Receive SNAP Benefits
Resources for Staff Who Receive SNAP Benefits
Headlines
Headlines
Employee Assistance Fund (EAF)
Employee Assistance Fund (EAF)
EAF Grants of up to $2,500 are made to active and retired Y professionals, for themselves or for their immediate family members. In order to be eligible applicants must:
Have been employed for 6 months and in good standing with the Y prior to the submittal of a grant request; or
Have been a member of the YMCA Alumni Association (Formerly Association of YMCA Retirees) for at least the past 6 months prior to the submittal of a grant request.
Grants are available for the following needs, with supporting documentation:
Medical expenses are incurred beyond provisions of health insurance coverage or other related expenses, which result in an extreme economic hardship
A catastrophic event such as an accident, crime, etc. that results in economic distress
Natural Disaster Emergency Grants – these are $1,000 emergency grants available up to 30 days following a documented event as long as funds are available
An emergency need that is a result of an “unforeseen event” and not from an exercise of “personal choice"
If you're interested in applying, email sstewart@ymcacolumbus.org to see if you're eligible. All applications will be confidential.
Gifts of Kindness
Gifts of Kindness
The Gifts of Kindness Fund, from the Columbus Foundation, partners with Central Ohio nonprofit organizations that are supporting community members to assist them in stabilizing when they face an unforeseen crisis. In order to be eligible applicants must:
Experience an unforeseen crisis such as a job loss or medical event
Is part of programming or case management care with the YMCA
Works in conjunction with the YMCA to develop a financial stability plan
Has explored all possible resources for assistance
Lives in and/or works in Franklin County, Ohio
Have not received a Gifts of Kindness grant in the previous 12 months.
If you're interested in applying, email sstewart@ymcacolumbus.org to see if you're eligible. All applications will be confidential.
Community Outreach
Community Outreach
ABC6 article highlighting 21 organizations receiving $500k in new grants from The Columbus Foundation to support emergency food and nutrition services.
If you are in need of food assistance, please utilize FreshTrak.com to locate pantries or visit one of the Mid-Ohio Markets.
Lutheran Social Services (211)- LSS 211 is free, confidential and the critical first link to reduce poverty and ensuring opportunity for every Central Ohioan. With just one call, text, web chat or online search, 211 provides immediate access to more than 3,000 local programs. When a person contacts LSS 211, they connect to an information resource specialist who is trained and certified to assist in times of crises and for everyday needs. We combine best practices, experience, and social innovation to provide one of the nation’s leading 2-1-1 services here in Central Ohio.
Benefits Outreach Team can help you gain needed information, understand eligibility requirements, and provide you with friendly application assistance for public benefits (SNAP, CHIP, Medicaid, etc.). Connect to a member of our team by calling, or texting our help line at 614-782-5503, or complete a contact form to request a member of our team to follow up with you. Everyone needs help from time to time and using your SNAP benefit is a way to put food on the table until you’re able to get back on your feet.
Gopuff is offering $50 in free groceries per SNAP EBT customer in November. Use codes SNAPRELIEF1 (November 1 - 15) and SNAPRELIEF2 (November 16 - 30). Get a $25 credit + free delivery when you add your SNAP EBT card.
DoorDash is delievering 1 million meals for free from 300+ merchants that are apart of Project DASH foodbanks and are waiving fees on 300,000 grocery orders for SNAP recipients. SNAP EBT card must be connected to your profile.
Detailed Local Resources
Detailed Local Resources
Columbus City Schools initially plans to offer student meals at these five sites, pending final confirmation. Each meal has a guaranteed 120-day lifespan, ensuring families have long-term availability.
West High School, 179 S. Powell Ave.
South High School, 1160 Ann St.
Walnut Ridge High School, 4841 E. Livingston Ave.
Columbus International High School, 4077 Karl Rd.
Linden McKinley STEM Academy, 1320 Duxberry Ave.
Kids eat free at The Chicken Salad Chick's Westerville/Polaris location from November 1 - 16. Receive one free Little Chick meal. Limit one meal per child per day. Child must be present to redeem.
December 15–18, 2025 | 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Registration required in-person November 3 – 15
To register children (up to age 17), bring one of the following for each child:Picture ID
Social Security Card
Health Insurance Card
Birth Certificate
After registration, families can schedule a shopping day and time.
TheFACCES.org delivers free produce every other Wednesday. Must sign up by end of day on Mondays. This fills up quickly, so be sure to reserve your spot. You must live within 10 miles to qualify.
Columbus Blessing Boxes Project
Blessing Boxes are outdoor cabinets in public places that are stocked with non-perishable food items, basic toiletries, baby supplies and anything else that might be considered a blessing to someone who finds themselves in need. Items are anonymously donated and anonymously received.
Saturday, November 8 & Saturday, December 13 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Jerry L. Garver YMCA Produce Giveaway
Wednesday, November 5 from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Center of Hope Victory Ministries
Shopping at the Choice Food Pantry is by appointment only Tuesday through Friday from noon - 3:00 p.m.
To schedule an appointment call 614-252-7996
Columbus Recreation and Parks
Fresh Produce Every Thursday and Friday, stop by our Mobile Produce Markets at select community centers through November 21 to pick up fresh produce at no cost. No registration or paperwork required.
Free Meals for Students School-age children can also receive a free meal every weekday from 3:30–5 p.m. at our Afterschool Program sites. All are welcome. Participating community centers include Adams, Barack, Blackburn, Douglas, Driving Park, Far East, Glenwood, Holton, Howard, Linden, Milo-Grogan, Sullivant Gardens, Feddersen and Woodward Park.
Triple Crown Family Fun Center
Monday-Friday,. 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Kids can enjoy a slice of pizza and fries OR nuggest and fries + a drink completely free. No paperwork. No questions. Kids must be present to redeem.
A Recipe for Change- Open house welcoming Ro's Kitchen to IMPACT Community Action.
November 19, 6:00 - 8:00 o.m.
IMPACT Cafeteria: 711 Southwood Ave.
City of Whitehall Food Resources
314 Church "Buy 1 Give 1", November 9- 175 Fairway Blvd. Columbus, OH 43213
NBC4 Thanksgiving Give Back, November 20- John Bishop Park, 4815 Etna Rd. Whitehall, OH 43213
Carter's Kindness Food Kits, Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.- Whitehall City Hall, Police Department and Fire Department
Thanksgiving Meals
Thanksgiving Meals
Thanksgiving Drive-Thru. November 22 from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Free mini-meals, non-perishables for dinner and a turkey (while supplies last)
Faith Lutheran Church (730 Collingwood Ave. Whitehall, OH 43213)
Turkey and fixings meal giveaway. November 23 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Registration required. Will be emailed information after registering.
Kappa Alpha Psi Turkey Giveaway. November 15 from 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. while supplies last. ID required. Limit one turkey per household, 2 turkeys per vehicle.
Champion Middle School (284 N. 22nd St. Columbus, OH 43203)
Real Situations Community Thanksgiving Dinner. November 22.
Whitehall Community Park YMCA (402 N. Hamilton Rd. Whitehall, OH, 43213)
Thanksgiving Dinner at Community Recreation Centers. Please note: Open to all. Supplies are limited.
November 13: 5:30 p.m. - Espy Sports Complex 1755 E Broad St, 43203
November 15: 12 p.m. – Far East Com. Center 1826 Lattimer Dr, 43227
November 19: 12:30 p.m. – Thompson Com. Center 1189 Dennison Ave, 43201
November 19: 5 p.m. - Howard Com. Center 2505 N. Cassady Ave, 43219
November 19: 5 p.m. - William H. Adams Com. Center 854 Alton Ave, 43219
November 20: 11:30 a.m. - Marion Franklin Com. Center 2801 Lockbourne Rd, 43207
November 20: 5 p.m. – Douglass Com. Center 1250 Windsor Ave, 43211
November 20: 5 p.m. – Feddersen Com. Center 3911 Dresden St, 43224
November 20: 5 p.m. – Glenwood Com. Center 1888 Fairmont Ave, 43223
November 20: 5 p.m. – Barack Com. Center 580 E. Woodrow Ave, 43207
November 20: 5:30 p.m. - Linden Com. Center 1350 Briarwood Ave, 43211
November 20: 6 p.m. - Blackburn Com. Center 263 Carpenter St, 43205
November 21: 5 p.m. – Holton Com. Center 303 N. Eureka Ave, 43204
November 21: 5pm – Driving Park Com. Center 1100 Rhoads Ave, 43206
November 21: 5 p.m. – Milo Grogan Com. Center 862 E. 2nd Ave, 43201
November 21: 5 p.m. – Sullivant Gardens Com. Center 755 Renick St, 43223
November 25: 12 p.m. – Scioto Southland Com. Center 3901 Parsons Ave, 43207
November 25: 4:30 p.m. – Dodge Com. Center 667 Sullivant Ave, 43215
November 25: 6 p.m. p.m. – Woodward Park Com. Center 5147 Karl Rd, 43229
November. 25: 5 p.m. – Brentnell Com. Center 1280 Brentnell Ave, 43219
Free Thanksgiving Meals
St. John’s Church Thanksgiving Dinner: No reservation required. Open to All. Friday, November 28: 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
640 S. Ohio Ave, Columbus, OH 43205. Contact: 614-252-6428
Columbus Dream Center: No reservation required. Open to All Friday, November 28: 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
38 W Greenwood Ave, Columbus, OH 43201. Contact: 614-547-3138 for more details.
TownHall Short North: No reservation required. Open to All. Monday, November 24: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Call to confirm
792 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215. Contact: 614-639-8600
The Ohio State University - Thanksgiving Dinner. For students, faculty and staff who are unable to go home for the holiday. Wednesday, November 26: 12 p.m.
Archie M. Griffin Ballroom – Ohio Union: 1739 N. High St, 43210. Contact: 614-292-6101
Charity Newsies – Thanksgiving Dinner. Thursday, November 27: 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
4300 Indianola Ave. Columbus, OH 43214. Contact: 614-263-4300 - Call to confirm
Broad Street Presbyterian Church - Free Thanksgiving Meal. Tuesday, November 25: 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
760 East Broad Street, 43205. Contact: 614-221-6552
Community Development for All People - Thanksgiving Dinner. Thursday, November 20: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
946 Parsons Ave, 43206. Contact: 614-445-7342
The SOAR Foundation | Thanksgiving at the Park. Sunday, November 16: 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
1100 Rhoads Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43206. Enjoy free food, toiletries, and haircuts. Contact: 614-453-4830
614 Youth Prevention Agency | Thanksgiving Dinner. Thursday, November 20: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
946 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43206. First come, first served dinner for up to 200 people. Contact: 380-213-0176
Northwest United Methodist Church – Thanksgiving Meal Open to All. Sunday, November 2: 12 p.m.
5200 Riverside Dr, Columbus, 43220. Contact: 614-451-2825 to reserve your spot
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