The Lancaster‑Fairfield Community Action Agency (LFCAA) operates a free, ongoing food pantry and basic needs support services for low‑income and food‑insecure residents of Fairfield County, Ohio. The pantry provides emergency food assistance on a regular basis and distributes fresh produce daily as available.
This agency helps households obtain nutritious groceries at no cost and also offers support through other community services.
? Hours
- Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
(Closed weekends; pantry operates during regular weekday hours.)
? Location
- 1743 E Main St, Lancaster, OH 43130
? Contact
- Phone: (740) 653‑4146
- Website: https://www.faircaa.org/
?️ Services
- Emergency food pantry providing groceries, fresh produce, and basic staples at no cost
- Pantry open during regular weekday hours, with food distribution for those who qualify
- Additional support programs available through the agency (housing assistance, elderly programs, and more)
✅ Requirements
- Must be a resident of Fairfield County, OH
- Proof of identity and residency required at check‑in (photo ID, utility bill, etc.)
- Households may receive pantry support once per calendar month
? Cost
✔️ FREE food and pantry items
No cost for food assistance for eligible residents.
? Tips for Families
- Bring required documentation (ID, proof of address) to speed up service.
- Fresh produce is available daily, but quantities vary.
- Pantry support is ongoing and available every weekday during listed hours.
The Parma Hunger Center is a community food pantry operated as an outreach ministry of Parma Lutheran Church. It provides free groceries and basic household items to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity.
? Hours
- Tuesday: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Closed on major holidays (e.g., Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s).
? Appointments required each visit — call ahead on a Monday, Wednesday, or Thursday to schedule a time slot.
? Location
5280 Broadview Rd., Parma, OH 44134
? Contact
- Phone: (216) 351‑6376
- Website: http://www.plcparma.org/ (Parma Lutheran Church)
(No separate crisis line — use the phone above to register.)
?️ Services
- Free food pantry distribution
- Groceries including non‑perishables, fresh produce, meats, and staples as available
- Occasional distribution of household essentials (soap, toothpaste, etc.)
- Each household generally receives roughly an 8‑day food supply per visit.
✅ Requirements
- Must be a resident of Parma, OH
- Household income generally needed at or below 200% of the federal poverty level
- Proof of Parma residency (e.g., ID with address, utility bill) is required at check‑in
- Visits are limited (e.g., usually once per month) — call to confirm scheduling.
? Cost
✔️ FREE food and pantry items
No cost to participants who meet eligibility requirements.
? Tips for Families
- Call early in the week to make an appointment — spaces fill quickly.
- Bring required proof of residency and income to avoid delays.
- Items available can vary by week, so regular visits help families plan meals.
- Consider combining this pantry with other local food assistance (e.g., Parma Heights food pantry) for broader support.
? Description
Fairborn FISH Food Pantry provides free emergency food assistance to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. The pantry distributes groceries on a consistent weekly schedule and has been a long-standing community resource serving residents in the Fairborn area.
? Hours
- Tuesdays: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Fridays: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
(Hours may vary slightly on holidays — call ahead to confirm)
? Location
- 971 E. Dayton Yellow Springs Rd
- Fairborn, OH 45324
? Contact
- Phone: (937) 879-1313
- Website: https://fishfairborn.org/
? Services
- Free grocery distribution (food pantry)
- Emergency food support for households in need
- Ongoing weekly access to food assistance
? Requirements
- Must reside in Fairborn or Bath Township
- Proof of residency required (such as ID or utility bill)
? Cost
? Tips
- Arrive early — distribution is typically first-come, first-served
- Bring documentation to avoid delays
- Great option for consistent, local food access when used alongside other regional pantry resources
Dayton Vineyard Church Outreach provides free food access and community support programs for individuals and families in the Dayton region. Services include a monthly food pantry, mobile food distribution sites, and seasonal community events designed to meet practical needs and strengthen neighborhoods.
? Hours
- Food Pantry: Ongoing (serves 400+ families monthly)
- Mobile Food Distribution:
- 1st & 3rd Saturdays of each month
- Additional outreach events: Seasonal / periodic throughout the year
? Location
- Main Site: 4081 Indian Ripple Rd, Beavercreek, OH 45440
- Mobile distribution sites: Fairborn & Trotwood areas
? Contact
? Services
- Free food pantry (groceries)
- Mobile food distribution
- Holiday and seasonal community events (meals, giveaways)
- Neighborhood outreach and support initiatives
? Requirements
- None specified
- Open to individuals and families in need
? Cost
? Tips
- Arrive early for mobile food distributions (first-come, first-served)
- Check location details before attending (multiple distribution sites)
- Great resource to pair with other food access programs for consistent support
? Youngstown, Ohio
Type of Resource: Free Community Meals / Food Distribution
? Description
The Youngstown Food Brigade is a grassroots community initiative that provides free warm meals and essential supplies to anyone in need. The program focuses on mutual aid and community care, offering vegetarian, nut-free meals and additional supplies when available.
Food is distributed in a welcoming environment where all individuals are welcome—no income verification or registration required. Serves typically continue until supplies run out, and community members are encouraged to check social media for schedule updates.
? Hours of Operation
2nd & 4th Saturday of every month
⏰ Approximately 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
(Serve may begin between 3–6 PM depending on daylight and seasonal timing.)
Food is served for about two hours or until supplies run out.
? Location
? Food Distribution Site
Parking lot across from WRTA Federal Station
36 5th Ave
Youngstown, OH 44503
? Organizational Base Address
107 Park Avenue
Youngstown, OH 44505
? Public Transit: WRTA Bus Route 1 – Stop at Elm & Park nearby.
? Contact Information
? Phone: (330) 787-1899
? Email: youngstownfoodbrigade@gmail.com
? Website & Helpful Links
Main Website:
https://youngstownfoodbrigade.org/
Program Information:
https://www.freefood.org/l/oh_44505_youngstown-food-brigade
? Services Provided
- Free hot meals for community members
- Vegetarian and nut-free meal options
- Basic supplies when available (such as hygiene items or essentials)
- Community mutual aid and volunteer support
✅ Requirements
None – Everyone is welcome — no ID, proof of income, or appointment required.
? Cost
Free
? Helpful Tip
Arrive early during distribution hours, as meals and supplies are available until they run out. Checking the organization’s website or social media before attending can help confirm the exact serving time.
? Youngstown, Ohio
Type of Resource: Free Food Distribution / Food Pantry
Description:
The Gleaners Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley provides free groceries and food assistance to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. The organization partners with community agencies, churches, and local programs to ensure residents have access to nutritious food. Food distributions are offered regularly to support community members in need.
? Hours of Operation:
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
(Hours may occasionally change during holidays or special distribution events, so calling ahead is recommended.)
? Location
94 Pyatt Street
Youngstown, OH 44502
? Contact Information:
Phone: (330) 746-8436
? Website:
https://www.gleanersfoodbank.org
Email: lordij@msn.com
? Program Information:
https://www.freefood.org/l/oh_44502_gleaners-food-bank
? Services Provided:
- Free grocery distribution
- Emergency food assistance for individuals and families
- Community food programs through partner agencies
✅ Requirements:
- Photo ID may be requested
- Bring bags or boxes to carry your groceries
Arrive early during distribution hours as this can help ensure the best food selection and availability.
What it is:
A free food pantry serving neighbors and families with healthy groceries, essential personal care items, and community support in the New Albany-Plain Local School District (including zip code 43054). The pantry focuses on dignity and choice, offering a range of food including fresh produce, dairy, meats, and pantry staples.
? Location & Contact
- Address: 150 W Main St Suite B, New Albany, OH 43054
- Phone: (614) 685-6344
- Alternate Pantry Phone: (614) 413-7907 (for scheduling)
- Website: https://healthynewalbany.org/what-we-do/food-pantry/
- Email (general contact): info@healthynewalbany.org
? How to Get Food
Who is served:
• Individuals & families living in the New Albany-Plain Local School District or in zip code 43054
• Household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level
Open Pantry (Shopping by Appointment):
Families select their own groceries during appointment shopping.
? Typical Open Pantry Hours
- Wednesday–Friday: 3:45 pm – 7:00 pm
- Saturday: 8:30 am – 12:00 pm
Pantry cycles occur throughout the year.
? To schedule an appointment:
Fill out the online form at https://healthynewalbany.org/what-we-do/get-food/ or call (614) 413-7907.
If you do not reside in the service area, the pantry can help connect you with food resources in your region.
? Other Ways to Access Support
- The pantry refers neighbors to other local food pantries and services when needed.
- For urgent needs outside of scheduled pantry hours, check regional food pantry directories (e.g., freshtrak.com) to find an available pantry.
? Volunteer & Give
Even though the pantry service itself is free to eligible community members, it runs thanks to community support:
Volunteer Opportunities:
Help with:
Ways to Help / Donate:
- Monetary donations online
- Food & item donations (drop-off locations listed on website)
- Host a food drive or shop from their Amazon Wishlist
Details: https://healthynewalbany.org/food-pantry-give-help/
? Quick Links
- Provides free groceries (often 3–5 days’ worth) to those in need.
- When:
• Saturday mornings, 9:00 AM–11:00 AM (most weeks)
• Second and Fourth Tuesdays, 5:30 PM–7:00 PM
- Where: At the church’s address on Karl Rd, Columbus.
- How it works: Clients usually need a photo ID and proof of address and can usually visit once per month.
- Volunteer options: People can sign up to help with the pantry on those days (Tuesdays and Saturdays).
❤️ This is a faith-based food pantry outreach for neighbors who need food support.
? Refugee/Community Garden Outreach
- A volunteer-run gardening program that provides outreach through growing produce.
- Volunteers can serve on Tuesday evenings, Thursday evenings, or Saturday mornings.
- This helps provide healthy produce and also connects volunteers and community members through shared work and fellowship.
Free Food Access Resource – Students and Community Members
What it is:
The Mid-Ohio Market at Columbus State is a free food resource for qualifying students and community members to access fresh produce and shelf-stable groceries regularly. You choose the items you need based on availability. Eligible shoppers must have a household income at less than 200% of the federal poverty level.
Address:
? 400 Grove St, Columbus, OH 43215 (on the Columbus Campus of Columbus State Community College)
Contact:
? (614) 287-5996 (Market info)
? Email: midohiomarket@cscc.edu for questions or eligibility info
? Website: https://www.cscc.edu/services/mid-ohio-market/
Hours (when classes are in session):
? Monday: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
? Wednesday: 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
? Thursday: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
(Hours follow the college’s academic calendar and close during college breaks, holidays, or emergencies.)
Who Is Eligible:
• Students and community members with household income below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines.
• No monthly limit on how many times eligible shoppers can visit.
Special Service — Cougar Box:
• Currently enrolled Columbus State students can order a pre-packed “Cougar Box” containing available food items. Pick-ups are done in person at the Market.
How to Access Services:
- Check your eligibility (income below 200% FPL).
- Visit the Market during open hours — you can choose what you need.
- Students can schedule Cougar Boxes through the CState Cares Hub using a Columbus State email.
Notes:
• The Market may close during planned breaks, weather closures, and holidays — sign up for RAVE alerts through Columbus State for closure updates.
Food & Nutrition Resources — Victory Ministries
Victory Ministries Official Website – Essential Services & Food Pantry
? Location
3964 East Main Street
Whitehall, OH 43213
? Phone: (614) 252-2500
✉️ Email: mail@victorycoh.org
? Choice Food Pantry
Victory Ministries operates a choice pantry that provides grocery support with dignity and choice, including:
- Non-perishable food staples
- Fresh produce
- Dairy products
- Frozen meats
- Healthy food options for families
Who can use it:
Neighbors experiencing food insecurity; seniors (60+) may qualify for additional supplemental food support.
How to access:
? By appointment only
? Tuesday–Friday, 12 PM – 3 PM
? Call (614) 252-7996 to schedule your visit.
➡️ You’ll need to schedule an appointment ahead of time and bring identification when you visit.
? Mobile Pantry Outreach
In addition to the main pantry, Victory Ministries hosts a mobile pantry where no appointment is required:
? New Life Church – 441 S. Yearling Road, Whitehall
? Selected Wednesdays (e.g., upcoming monthly dates)
? 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
? Photo ID requested
This provides a simple way to access food without advance scheduling.
?? Cooking & Nutrition Classes
Victory also offers monthly cooking classes that teach:
- Hands-on meal preparation
- Cooking skills using pantry foods
- Healthy nutrition tips
? First Tuesday each month, 11 AM – 12:30 PM
? To register: classes@victorycoh.org or call (614) 252-2500
? General Tips for Food Access
- Appointments: Most food pantry visits require scheduling ahead of time.
- Photo ID: Bring a valid ID for adults; proof of address may be requested.
- Seniors: Those aged 60+ may be eligible for supplemental food options.
