Donate or Volunteer

Employee & Community Food Drives

Let’s Keep Columbus Fed, Together

Our city thrives when we look out for one another. With many families facing tighter budgets due to federal SNAP cuts, we’re joining forces to make sure everyone has access to food and essential items. Whether you’re a resident, a volunteer, or a City employee, your contribution makes a real difference.

Public Drop-Off Sites

Columbus residents can drop off non-perishable food items at the following City waste and reuse centers. All donations go to trusted local foodbank partners serving neighborhoods across Franklin County.

 

Site Address Hours
Alum Creek Waste & Reuse Center 2100 Alum Creek Dr., Columbus, OH 43207 Tuesday – Saturday
10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Georgesville Waste & Reuse Center 1550 Georgesville Rd., Columbus, OH 43228 Tuesday – Saturday
10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

What to bring:
Canned goods, peanut butter, boxed meals, baby formula, diapers, toiletries, and other shelf-stable items.

For questions about large donations, call 311 or email communityaffairs@columbus.gov.

Accepting non-perishable food only. Please label donations “SNAP Response.”

Employee Food Drive Drop-Off

If you’re a City of Columbus employee, you can participate in the internal food drive through your department’s designated drop-off point.
Collection bins are located at the following sites: 

Region Location Address
North Street Maintenance 1850 E. 25th Ave., Columbus, OH 43219
East Columbus Public Health 240 Parsons Ave., Columbus, OH 43215
East Jerry Hammond Center 1111 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43205
Central Michael B. Coleman Government Center 111 N. Front St., Columbus, OH 43215
South Columbus Fire Academy (pending) 3639 Parsons Ave., Columbus, OH 43207


Tip for internal teams:
If your department wants to set up an additional site, emailcommunityaffairs@columbus.gov for coordination.

Volunteer Opportunities

If you want to lend a hand, our partners can use your help with everything from sorting and distributing food to serving meals in the community.

Ways to Volunteer:

Note: All opportunities are family-friendly and ADA-accessible. Training and materials are provided on-site.

What to Donate

When in doubt, think non-perishable and nutritious.
Here’s a short list of items that are always needed:

Food Items:

  • Canned fruits and vegetables
  • Peanut butter and jelly
  • Cereal, oatmeal, and boxed meals
  • Soup and pasta sauce
  • Rice and beans

Baby & Hygiene Items:

  • Diapers (all sizes)
  • Baby wipes
  • Soap, shampoo, toothpaste
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Deodorant

Please check expiration dates before donating.

Essential Items - Requested by Our Partner Agencies

If you’re collecting food on your own or holding a food drive, focus on these foods first:

  • Chili with beans
  • Tuna (canned)
  • Vegetables (canned)
  • Meat (canned)
  • Soup with vegetables
  • Peanut butter
  • Canned fruit (in juice / light syrup)

In addition to food, the Mid-Ohio Food Collective also distributes personal care items. If you’re looking to add value to your drive, please collect:

  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Bar soap
  • Toothpaste
  • Body wash
  • Toothbrushes (all ages)
  • Deodorant (any)

Safety & Delivery Notes

  • All drop-off centers are open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

  • Please do not leave donations outside gates after hours.

  • For large or corporate donations, schedule a time through 311 or communityaffairs@columbus.gov.

  • Items are delivered weekly to foodbank distribution partners, including Mid-Ohio Food Collective and Neighborhood Services Inc.

Together, We Can Make a Difference

Every can counts. Every bag matters. Every hour you give helps a family stay nourished.
From our City employees to our residents, this effort reminds us what makes Columbus strong, community, compassion, and connection.

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