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Watercolor illustration of a grocery bag filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, milk, and other food items.

Food Assistance & Nutrition Resources

No one should have to choose between paying bills and buying groceries. Hamilton, Butler, and Clermont counties offer a network of food pantries, meal programs, and public benefits to help individuals and families access nutritious food. Whether you need emergency groceries, ongoing pantry services, or assistance applying for SNAP (formerly Food Stamps), the resources below can help.

Apply for SNAP (Food Assistance)

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, provides monthly benefits on an Ohio Direction Card (EBT card) to help eligible households purchase groceries. Benefits can be used at most grocery stores, farmers markets, and many online retailers that accept EBT. SNAP eligibility is based primarily on household size, income, and certain expenses.

Hamilton County Food Resources

Hamilton County is served primarily by Freestore Foodbank, which partners with hundreds of neighborhood food pantries, meal sites, schools, and community organizations throughout Greater Cincinnati.

Food Pantries

Freestore Foodbank Customer Connection Center & Liberty Street Market

  • Emergency groceries

  • SNAP application assistance

  • Connections to employment, housing, and other social services

  • Client-choice shopping model

Mt. Healthy Alliance Community Food Pantry

  • Grocery assistance

  • Senior food programs

  • Seasonal food distributions

Saint Leo's Food Pantry

  • Choice pantry

  • Fresh food, pantry staples, and hygiene products

CAIN (Churches Active in Northside)

  • Client-choice grocery market

  • Fresh produce and protein when available

  • Senior food boxes

  • Hygiene products and additional household resources

Society of St. Vincent de Paul Choice Food Pantry

  • Monthly groceries for eligible households

  • Personal care items when available

  • Additional emergency assistance referrals

Walnut Hills Pantry

  • Emergency groceries

  • Community meals

  • Choice pantry

Additional neighborhood food pantries are available throughout Hamilton County through Freestore Foodbank's partner network.

Butler County Food Resources

Residents of Butler County have access to several nonprofit organizations providing groceries, emergency food assistance, and nutrition support.

Major resources include:

  • Shared Harvest Foodbank partner pantries throughout Butler County

  • SELF (Supports to Encourage Low-income Families), which may provide emergency assistance and referrals

  • Oxford Choice Pantry

  • Reach Out Lakota Food Pantry

  • Open Door Food Pantry

  • Local Salvation Army food assistance programs

Many Butler County pantries offer:

  • Weekly or monthly grocery distributions

  • Fresh produce

  • Frozen meat

  • Baby food and formula (when available)

  • Holiday meal programs

  • Referrals for additional financial assistance

Individuals who are unsure which pantry serves their address should contact Shared Harvest Foodbank or Butler County Job and Family Services for the nearest participating pantry.

Clermont County Food Resources

Clermont County offers a variety of emergency food providers serving both rural and suburban communities.

Featured Food Pantries

IPM Food Pantry

  • Client-choice grocery shopping

  • Mobile food pantries

  • Fresh produce

  • Community outreach events

SEM Food Pantry

  • One of the region's largest emergency food pantries

  • Fresh and shelf-stable groceries

  • Choice pantry model

  • Serves many families across Clermont County

Christian Help Center

  • Food pantry

  • Personal hygiene supplies

  • Diapers and baby items

  • Community meals

The Salvation Army Batavia Corps Community Center

  • Emergency food boxes

  • Financial assistance referrals

  • Seasonal assistance

St. Elizabeth St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry

  • Emergency groceries

  • Utility assistance referrals

  • Additional emergency support

Several church-based food pantries throughout Milford, Batavia, Bethel, Felicity, and surrounding communities also provide emergency grocery assistance.

Additional Nutrition Resources

In addition to local food pantries, individuals and families may qualify for:

  • WIC (Women, Infants, and Children): Provides healthy foods, infant formula, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals for pregnant individuals, postpartum mothers, infants, and children under age five.

  • School Meal Programs: Children attending public schools may qualify for free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch programs.

  • Senior Nutrition Programs: Many senior centers and Area Agency on Aging providers offer:

    • Home-delivered meals

    • Congregate dining

    • Commodity food boxes

    • Nutrition education

  • Community Meals: Churches, shelters, and nonprofit organizations throughout Hamilton, Butler, and Clermont counties regularly provide free hot meals. Local food pantries can direct individuals to nearby meal programs.

Need Help Navigating These Resources?

Finding the right housing, food, financial, or community resources can be overwhelming, especially when you're trying to determine eligibility, complete applications, or connect with multiple agencies. If you would like personalized assistance navigating these services, case management services are available through our practice for a fee. As part of this service, I will work with you one-on-one to identify resources that fit your unique needs, assist with completing applications, coordinate referrals, and help you develop a plan to access available community supports. While I cannot guarantee eligibility or approval for any program, I am committed to helping you understand your options and navigate the process with confidence. If you are interested in case management services or would like to learn more about scheduling an appointment, please contact our practice.
Disclaimer: The community resources listed on this website are provided for informational purposes to help individuals identify available services in their area. Our practice is an independent provider of case management and resource navigation services and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of any government agency, nonprofit organization, or community resource listed. Fees charged by our practice are for professional case management services, including individualized guidance, care coordination, assistance with applications and referrals, and support navigating available resources. We cannot guarantee eligibility for, approval of, or availability of any program or service offered by third-party organizations.

© 2024 by Steps in Healing, LLC

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