Food banks play an important role in communities throughout Ohio, providing food and support for those in need. Given the challenges of the past year, more people than ever before need support from local food banks. Whether you volunteer your time or make a donation, food banks across Ohio need support from the community to help as many people as possible. Even a small donation can make a big difference in the life of someone in need, so we've put together a guide to 8 Ohio food banks where you can show your support and make a positive difference in the community.

Greater Cleveland Food Bank

15500 S. Waterloo Rd., Cleveland, OH 44110

Northeast Ohio is home to a wide variety of food banks, including the large Greater Cleveland Food Bank, which serves more than 400,000 people per year. In addition to providing meals and fresh produce, the Greater Cleveland Food Bank works to help people in need sign up for programs that can help them find long-term solutions to food insecurity. There are many ways that you can get involved, by making a planned donation, monthly donation, or contribution of non-perishable food items. There are also volunteer opportunities available in a wide variety of positions, from loading/unloading food to using specialized skills to help with large administrative projects within the food bank.

Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank

350 Opportunity Pkwy., Akron, OH 44307

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The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank has been serving eight counties around both cities for nearly 40 years by storing and distributing food to a large group of smaller food pantries in the area. With 83,000 square feet of warehouse space and 8,000 square feet of freezer space, the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank can serve more than 500 food pantries, shelters, and other non-profit organizations in the region. This foodbank is always accepting donations of food and funds, so it's easy to give back in a way that works for you. You can also volunteer in various support roles at the warehouse or help with food distribution in local communities.

Second Harvest Food Bank

5510 Baumhart Rd., Lorain, OH 44053

In its more than 35 years of serving Northeast Ohio communities, the Second Harvest Food Bank has distributed nearly 100 million pounds of food to those in need. The food bank distributes food to an organized network of food pantries and charity organizations throughout Northeast Ohio. Thanks to a new facility built in Lorain, Second Harvest Food Bank has tripled its capacity for food storage. You can help distribute all of that extra food or make a donation to ensure that the warehouse shelves are always stocked. The organization also needs volunteers to help package food backpacks, along with packages for senior centers and mobile food pantries.

NNEMAP Food Pantry

667 E. 11th Ave., Columbus, OH 43211

NNEMAP Food Pantry is part of a coordinated network of food pantries in Columbus and beyond. While many food pantries distribute food based on ZIP codes, NNEMAP Food Pantry makes its services available to anyone who lives in Columbus regardless of where in the city they're located. Volunteers here help with food insecurity, hygiene products, food stamp access, and healthcare needs. You can make a difference as a delivery driver, client interviewer, inventory assistant, or a fundraiser. NNEMAP also accepts help from volunteer groups, if your friends, colleagues, or family would like to help contribute to a positive cause.

Worthington Resource Pantry

6700 Huntley Rd., Columbus, OH 43229

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Based in Columbus, the Worthington Resource Pantry serves southern Delaware and northern Franklin counties. In addition to nutritious food, the Worthington Resource Pantry also distributes many essential personal care items to those in need. With a small leadership team and a large, dedicated group of volunteers, this food bank is able to reach more people every year. You can volunteer to help sort and package food, in order to make the distribution process as smooth as possible. The Worthington Resource Pantry also welcomes donations of food, funds, and personal care items.

Mid-Ohio Foodbank On-Site Pantry

3960 Brookham Dr., Grove City, OH 43123

The Mid-Ohio Foodbank On-Site Pantry is part of the larger Mid-Ohio Foodbank network, serving local communities in various ways for more than 40 years. The network is one of the largest of its kind in Ohio and reaches communities throughout the state through more than 680 partner organizations in addition to its own food pantry. With such a large network, there are many ways that you can get involved. Your donations of non-perishable food or funds are always welcome, with every donation playing a small part in distributing more than 140,000 meals every day. There are also many volunteer opportunities available, both at the On-Site Pantry and at other Mid-Ohio Foodbank locations around the state.

Freestore Foodbank

1141 Central Pkwy., Cincinnati, OH 45202

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The Freestore Foodbank has a variety of locations around the Cincinnati area, including its main location on Central Parkway. This large food bank is part of the Feeding America network, with a variety of unique ways to contribute in addition to volunteering or donating directly. You can arrange a virtual food drive to raise money online, or participate in events like the Virtual Hunger Walk to help raise money for a diverse collection of local organizations which are working to address food insecurity around Cincinnati.

SEM Food Pantry

2020 Beechmont Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45230

The SEM Food Pantry provides support for those in need who are located in eastern Hamilton County and Clermont County, while establishing partnerships with other local organizations including the Freestore Foodbank. SEM Food Pantry operates a client-choice food pantry, which allows members to select their food as if they were at the store. You can volunteer to help by answering phones, helping clients choose food, stocking shelves, and collecting donations. If you aren't able to volunteer, donations of food and funds are crucial in helping SEM Food Pantry serve the community.

Lending a Hand

Every little bit adds up, so how will you show your love to organizations that work every day to make a difference in the lives of those in need?