Food Assistance Resources in Greater Cincinnati
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Putting healthy food on the table shouldn't be a source of stress. Whether you're a longtime neighbor or just learning what's available, here's a roundup of food assistance resources across Cincinnati, starting with our own Marketplace and including other trusted programs nearby.
MEAC Marketplace
The MEAC Marketplace is our choice food pantry, set up like a grocery store so neighbors can select the foods that actually fit their family's needs.
Who: Neighbors in our service area (ZIP codes 45208, 45209, 45226, and 45227)
How often: Once a month per household
Location: Inside Eastminster Presbyterian Church, at the corner of Erie and Roe Streets in Madisonville
What to bring: A photo ID and a document from the last 30 days showing your current address (a utility bill or prescription bottle works fine)
Having an emergency? The once-a-month guideline is there to help us stretch resources for everyone, but we will never turn a neighbor away in a crisis. If you're facing an emergency need, please reach out, we are more than happy to work with you to ensure you have the resources you need!
Call (513) 271-5501 or visit meaccincinnati.org for current shopping days and hours.
Free Summer Meals at the Library
Kids don't stop needing lunch just because school lets out. The Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library serves free meals and snacks to anyone ages 1–18 at select branches, Monday through Friday, all summer long, no sign-up, registration, or library card required. Meals must be eaten at the library.
At the Madisonville Branch, meals are served daily from 2:00–2:45 p.m.
Other nearby branches offering summer meals include Bond Hill, Clifton, College Hill, Corryville, Covedale, Deer Park, and more. For more information please visit: chpl.org/services/meals.
Other Food Assistance Resources Around Cincinnati
If MEAC's once-a-month schedule doesn't line up with your needs, or you live outside our service area, here are other places to turn:
Freestore Foodbank — The region's largest hunger-relief organization, with a network of over 500 partner pantries across Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana.
Liberty Street Market (Over-the-Rhine): choice pantry, open Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Bea Taylor Market (Sayler Park): open Tuesday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., and Saturdays 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; no eligibility requirements
Mobile distributions, school pantries, and a Kids Cafe after-school meal program at sites throughout Hamilton County
See current distribution dates and locations at freestorefoodbank.org
Queen City Food Kitchen and Choice Pantry (Walnut Hills) – Choice pantry Tuesdays and Thursdays, noon–1:30 p.m.; hot kitchen meals served Tuesday–Sunday. Open to anyone experiencing food insecurity. (513) 961-1983
Church of the Advent Open Door Food Pantry (Walnut Hills) – Fresh produce, Wednesdays 9:30 a.m.–noon. (513) 961-2100
Becky & Ted Catino Choice Food Pantry (West End) – Open most weekdays and Saturday mornings for Hamilton County residents. (513) 421-0602
Cincinnati Islamic Community Center Food Pantry (Westwood) – First and third Saturday of the month, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., for residents of ZIP codes 45211 and 45225.
Sem Client Choice Food Pantry (Anderson Township) – Weekdays and select evenings/Saturdays for residents of several eastside ZIP codes. (513) 231-1412
Community Action Agency Mobile Food Pantry – Free produce and baked goods at rotating locations across Hamilton County, first-come, first-served. (513) 924-2021
Need Help Finding Something Closer to You?
Two great tools for locating additional pantries, meal sites, and benefits help near you:
211/United Way of Greater Cincinnati: dial 211 or visit uwgc.org for a live referral to food, housing, and utility assistance
Findhelp.org: search by ZIP code for pantries, meal programs, and other free or reduced-cost resources
Know of a resource we should add to this list? Reach out to MEAC at (513) 271-5501 or email alexharris@meaccincinnati.org we're always glad to help connect neighbors to the support they need.