Food Banks

Here's a list of Dayton-area nonprofits that will distribute hot meals and food boxes for this year's Thanksgiving season.

The Trump administration has agreed to fund SNAP benefits for the nation through money from an Agriculture Department contingency fund. But, these funds equate to only half of the typical benefits disseminated, and recipients could expect delays.

Montgomery County Commissioners presented an addition check of $500,000 to the Foodbank, Inc., increasing its support to the local nonprofit serving Montgomery, Greene and Preble Counties.

SNAP, also known as food stamps, is expected to be frozen in November. Here are some Dayton-area and southwest Ohio resources for those in need — plus opportunities to donate and volunteer.

Guided by Mushrooms in Dayton received a $2,500 microgrant from the nonprofit Hall Hunger Initiative to supply mushrooms to House of Bread, a community kitchen offering free lunchtime meals.

Map the Meal Gap's 2023 data shows about a 1% increase in food insecurity in The Foodbank's coverage area around the Dayton region.

Five Rivers MetroParks is working with The Foodbank Inc to offer garden kits with seeds and starter plants at mobile distributions this spring.

The Shagbark Seed and Mill in Athens used the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program for over two years. Now that funding is being cut by DOGE.

The USDA cut a program that helps food banks source from local farmers. This leaves Ohio and Dayton-area food banks with less food access and leaves some farm suppliers without the source of revenue.

Second Harvest Food Bank and the Foodbank Inc. are just two food banks in Ohio who learned millions of dollars in food is no longer coming.

The Ohio Association of Food Banks has reported seeing the highest visitation numbers within its 35 years of operation between July and December of 2024.

The Dayton Metro Library will be reducing food distributions at its main branch downtown from two to one a month, and closing its Vandalia, Trotwood and Southeast branch pantries.