Many families in Central Ohio are turning to local food pantries for support, and our Simply Give hunger relief program is helping to meet that need. In partnership with the Mid-Ohio Food Collective (MOFC), we’re working to ensure communities have access to fresh, nutritious food.
MOFC serves 20 counties in central and eastern Ohio, connecting food pantries and meal programs with fresh, nutritious food. Craig Truax, MOFC’s director of corporate partnerships, says one of the biggest challenges pantries face is having the right food for the people they serve.
“That’s why Simply Give is so important,” Craig said. “Each community has different needs. Some families cook with rice, others prefer potatoes or pasta. Some need low-sodium foods for heart health or fresh produce to support a diabetic-friendly diet. The flexibility of Meijer gift cards through the Simply Give program helps pantries stock the foods their communities need most.”
As a Simply Give pantry partner, Meijer customers can add a donation card to their carts at checkout, which are then converted into food-only gift cards and distributed directly to MOFC.
Brian Glover, Store Director at the Grove City, Ohio store, called MOFC an invaluable service to the community.
“The work they do to feed people in need is incredible,” he said. “They’re dedicated, hardworking people who go above and beyond to care for our community, and we do our best to support them through donations and partnerships. Our team members they take pride in knowing our store’s food drives and donations make a real impact."
Unlike traditional food donations, Simply Give helps local pantries fill in the gaps. Many rely on donated dry goods but struggle to source fresh produce, dairy, and proteins, which are essential for a balanced diet.
Simply Give allow pantry partners to buy the food their clients need. Craig says that kind of flexibility is critical.
“For us, food isn’t just about calories. It’s about nutrition. We’re working to make sure families aren’t just food secure, but nutrition secure.”
MOFC provides 85 million pounds of food annually through a network of 600 food pantries and senior centers. More than 63% of the food distributed is fresh, including produce, dairy and protein. That work is made possible by over 17,000 volunteers who contribute 104,000 hours annually, the equivalent of a $3.2 million impact.
The need continues to grow. Many families in central Ohio must choose between paying bills or buying food.
“Food is often the first thing families cut when money is tight,” he said. “That’s why our work and this program are so important.”
MOFC continues to expand across Mid-Ohio. Its grocery store-style hubs allow families to shop for food in a dignified and convenient way. Their eight markets across central Ohio offer fresh food six days a week, with extended hours that fit busy schedules.
MOFC has also introduced cold storage lockers, allowing customers to order food online and pick it up later.
“These innovations help families get the food they need when they need it,” Craig said. “When we work together, we can make sure no one has to wonder where their next meal is coming from.”
We’re proud to support MOFC’s mission. For more information on how MOFC is fighting hunger, visit Mid-Ohio Food Collective.