Food and Grocery Assistance

That is a simple fact. However, due to the pandemic, food might be harder for you to get. Schools are closed, food pantries have had to revise their methods, and you might be out of work. Still, the problem stands: we cannot go without food. Thankfully, national and local non-profits and organizations are stepping up and taking this matter seriously. Read on to learn more about how to keep food on the table when times are tough.

Want to access this information wherever you go, but lack the resources? ConnectHome Akron is here to help! Click HERE to learn more about our work bridging the digital divide.

First, if you are struggling, it is a good idea to be proactive and apply for benefits provided by the State of Ohio. The link below will take you to the Ohio Benefits homepage, where you can apply for many different types of assistance, including food assistance.

You may qualify for benefits if your household's gross monthly income is at or under 130 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. These guidelines change yearly. Also, please note that some households may qualify if they have incomes over the limit if someone in the household is elderly or disabled. To apply online, click the link below.

The Feeding America network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs serve virtually every community in all 50 states. Food is free without and food banks, and their agencies are dedicated to providing comfortable and confidential services.

As COVID-19 impacts our nation, many food banks, food pantries, and meal programs have a variety of low or no contact options available in many areas, including seniors-only hours, drive-through pantries, and expanded home delivery services, and more. You can search by zip code to find locations near you. If you have questions about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP or food stamps), Feeding America can also help with that! There are also other specialized programs that may fit your individual needs as well. Click the link below to learn more.

Due to the pandemic, United Way of Summit County is providing COVID-19 food box delivery. These deliveries are approximately 25 pounds of non-perishable food, and are made possible by through participating food partners and Door Dash. To qualify, you must meet all of the criteria listed at the link below. To be screened for eligibility, please call 211.

The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank was formed in 1982 by a group of community leaders, committed to providing emergency food to neighbors in need. Due to the crisis, the Foodbank is maintaining its regular business hours of Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4 pm.

If you are looking for food, click the link below to access resources to find food. There are a variety of options, including drive-through and a food program locater. Please keep in mind that due to the current pandemic, hours may vary--contact your food program's site to get updated hours and regulations.

Meals on Wheels operates in many communities across America. Services and operations of each program may vary based on the needs and resources of their communities. However, they are all committed to supporting their senior neighbors to live healthier and more nourished lives in their own homes.

Click the link below to learn more, and to use their meal provider search to find a location near you that can help. Please note that during the COVID-19 crisis, providers' operating status, capacity and/or delivery schedules will vary.

Thrive Market is built on the idea that healthy food equates to a healthy life. At this online market, you can find a variety of healthy foods for less than most grocery stores. They also cater to unique lifestyles, such as vegitarian, vegan, dairy-free, nut-free, and more. Their one-for-one membership matching program means that with a member's paid Thrive Market membership provides a free one for a low-income family, student, teacher, veteran, or first responder.

Curious if you qualify? Click the link below to learn more about Thrive Gives.

Thrive Market is built on the idea that healthy food equates to a healthy life. At this online market, you can find a variety of healthy foods for less than most grocery stores. They also cater to unique lifestyles, such as vegitarian, vegan, dairy-free, nut-free, and more. Their one-for-one membership matching program means that with a member's paid Thrive Market membership provides a free one for a low-income family, student, teacher, veteran, or first responder.

Curious if you qualify? Click the link below to learn more about Thrive Gives.

Imperfect Foods was founded in 2015 with a mission to eliminate food waste and build a better food system for everyone. Offering imperfect (yet delicious) produce, affordable pantry items, and quality eggs and dairy, Imperfect Foods deliveres right to your door! While they cannot accept SNAP yet, if you qualify for SNAP, you can apply for a reduced-cost box. For a limited time, they are also offering free delivery to seniors 65+ that qualify as low-income.

Click the link below to learn more! Please note, avalibility varies by zip code.

We hope that these resources will allow you to keep food on the table for your family, help a loved one or neighbor, and more. This is a challenging time, but we will get through this together. ConnectHome Akron and AMHA are here to help you and your family through this new and challenging time.

We will be frequently updating the blog with more resources for those affected by COVID-19, so subscribe below! If you have any suggestions for the next blog topic, email amahon@akronhousing.org to suggest it. If we feature it, you'll get a special shoutout!