Publications & Reports

The Ohio Associaition of Foodbanks is proud to release the 2026 Hunger Study Report. The findings are based on an anonymous electronic survey of Ohio food pantry visitors, with more than 2,600 verified responses analyzed. Rich data from a widely distributed survey comprises the basis for the Hunger in Ohio 2026 results. All data were collected through electronic surveys completed by food pantry visitors from April 18th to May 22nd. Neighbors also had the option to self-select into a secondary, more in-depth interview process. These interviews provided additional context and support for the survey findings and are featured throughout this report in quotations. The neighbors surveyed received a modest incentive for their valued time and feedback. This survey was implemented in partnership with staff and volunteers at each of Ohio’s 12 Feeding Americ a foodbanks, who distributed flyers containing unique QR codes that securely connected food pantry visitors to a confidential online survey developed in Qualtrics.

Ohio Food Recovery’s 2025 Impact Report addresses the issue of food waste, defined as safe, edible food that is discarded instead of eaten. This waste occurs at many points across the food system, including homes, farms, grocery stores, restaurants, and manufacturing facilities. Common causes include produce that does not meet cosmetic standards, food nearing sell‑by or expiration dates, overproduction, and rejected or distressed food loads. Foodbanks play an essential role in addressing this challenge by working with local partners and farms, retailers, manufacturers, restaurants, and distributors to rescue and redistribute surplus food that would otherwise go to waste across all of Ohio's 88 counties. We are pleased to have coordinated with the Ohio Department of Health and local food recovery partners on this report.

The Ohio Association of Foodbanks is pleased to present this Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) Cookbook. This book highlights special recipes from Celebrate Your Plate, utilizing CSFP focused ingredients to make simple and delicious meals, to nourish your household.

Here you can find the methodology and sources for our 2026 County Fact Sheets.

The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) is a federal nutrition program for low-income seniors aged 60 and older. Also known as the “senior food box,” the program provides shelf-stable, nutritious USDA commodities to seniors each month. CSFP is designed to meet the nutritional needs of older adults through a set monthly menu, helping seniors age in place and maintain their independence.

In Ohio, foodbanks assemble and distribute CSFP boxes to seniors enrolled in the program across their regions. To qualify, individuals must be at least 60 years old and have an income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. Based on the discretionary funding provided by Congress, USDA determines the maximum caseload each CSFP provider can serve. Eligible seniors above that caseload in their county are placed on a waitlist and notified when a spot becomes available.

This look-book dives into differnt program models and approaches to getting food to senior neighbors in need.

The Ohio Association of Foodbanks (OAF) is Ohio’s largest charitable hunger-relief network, representing 12 Feeding America foodbanks and 3,600 hunger relief agencies statewide. OAF’s mission centers on addressing hunger as a symptom of poverty by connecting people to food and essential resources, including SNAP, HEAP, and health coverage through Medicare, Medicaid, and the Federally Facilitated Marketplace.

OAF has a long history of outreach and enrollment work and previously served as a Navigator for the Federally Facilitated Marketplace from 2013–2017. In 2021, OAF reengaged as a Navigator grantee, rebuilding and expanding its consortium to better meet Ohio’s diverse community needs.

To improve reach and enrollment across the state, OAF focused its Navigator role on both direct consumer enrollment assistance and administrative support for trusted, community-based partner organizations. By leveraging its statewide foodbank network, community presence, and program administration expertise, OAF successfully reestablished and expanded its Navigator program—strengthening access to affordable health coverage for Ohioans alongside critical nutrition support.