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Mid‑Ohio Food Collective reports demand doubled since 2021; urges continued city support
Summary
Mid‑Ohio Food Collective told council it distributed more than 51.5 million pounds of food last year and recorded about 1.25 million service visits in Franklin County in 2024—about double 2021 levels—and asked for investments in food access infrastructure and partnerships.
Mid‑Ohio Food Collective presented data showing sharp increases in local food‑assistance demand since the pandemic and outlined infrastructure and program priorities for 2025.
Senior Vice President Mike Cochran told council the network distributed more than 51.5 million pounds of food in the prior year, delivered the equivalent of roughly 43 million meals in Franklin County and recorded about 1.25 million service visits to partners in 2024—up from roughly 670,000 service visits in 2021.
Why it matters: Cochran said inflation, housing and childcare costs and the end of large federal COVID‑era relief streams have left many families seeking food assistance. He said 68% of households served contained at least one child or one senior and that approximately 95% of food supplied to partner agencies was provided at no cost to those agencies.
Programs and investments: Mid‑Ohio highlighted several workstreams: - Mid Ohio Markets, free grocery stores that distribute fresh food and connect customers to wraparound services. - Partnerships with more than 340 local agencies that act as the network’s distribution backbone. - Infrastructure needs such as refrigerated storage, transportation and expanded pantry services to ensure perishable and fresh food reaches communities.
Council discussion and follow‑up: Members thanked the organization and noted opportunities to support West‑side markets and to coordinate city programs with food‑access investments. Mid‑Ohio also asked that council consider continued Elevate support and other city grant investments that help the hunger relief network and partner agencies.
Ending: Cochran encouraged residents to find local food access via FreshTrak and said the food collective will continue seeking partnerships and funding to meet ongoing demand.
