Food for All was created by partnering with social service agencies and churches in rural eastern counties of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. Together, we reduce hunger in our rural communities in places more challenged to find affordable, nutritionally dense food.
These areas, sometimes known as food deserts, are more common than you’d think. They are found in urban neighborhoods and rural towns where access to fresh, healthy, and affordable food is limited. Instead of supermarkets and grocery stores, these communities may be served only by fast food restaurants and convenience stores that offer few healthy, affordable food options. The lack of access contributes to a poor diet and may lead to higher levels of obesity and other diet-related diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease.
The USDA estimates 1.9 million households, or 1.7 percent of all households, are in low-income and low-access census tracts far from a supermarket, and do not have a vehicle. With more than 374,000 people living in poverty in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Catholic Charities Southwestern Ohio tackles food insecurity head-on by offering mobile food pantries. Catholic Charities staff and volunteers distribute food to struggling families in rural Adams, Brown, Clermont, Clinton, Hamilton and Highland Counties. Food is both purchased and donated from the Freestore Food Bank. Volunteers set up the food for distribution at each site. We also provide nutritious food to low-income students in seven inner-city Catholic and public schools.
This ministry is made possible through donations made to the One Faith, One Hope, One Love campaign.
Where are the pantries?
- St. Mary Catholic Church, Bethel, in Clermont County, on the second Friday of the month
- St. Columbkille Catholic Church, Wilmington, in Clinton County, on the second Thursday of every odd month.
- Blanchester Church of Christ, Blanchester, in Clinton County, on the second Thursday of every even month.
- Greater Life Assembly, Hillsboro, in Highland County, on the fourth Thursday of the month
- RULH/Ripley High School, Ripley, in Brown County, on the third Wednesday of the month
- Fairgrounds Administration Building, West Union in Adams County, on the fourth Tuesday of the month
- St. Joseph Catholic Church, West End Cincinnati in Hamilton County, on the second Tuesday of the month
Get Involved
Volunteers are needed from 9:00am to 1:30 pm at each mobile site. If you can help for a few hours or the whole time, call (513) 672-3720. You can bring a group or come alone. We have volunteers of all ages.
