Other Programs

The Ohio Association of Foodbanks has proudly operated a statewide national service program since 2006. We deploy national service members through strategic placements at hunger and poverty relief organizations throughout Ohio.

AmeriCorps VISTA members work on indirect, capacity-building initiatives such as recruiting and coordinating volunteers, developing or improving new or existing programs, expanding new technology, leveraging resources, and more. AmeriCorps VISTAs serve full-time for year-long service terms. If you want to learn more about serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA, or if your organization may be interested in hosting AmeriCorps VISTA(s), visit our recruitment page.

AmeriCorps VISTA Summer Associates serve for about 10 weeks during the summer months, providing direct service as well as capacity-building support to strengthen Ohio’s Summer Food Service Programs and other summer meals programs. If you want to learn more about serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA Summer Associate, or if your organization may be interested in hosting AmeriCorps VISTA Summer Associate(s), visit our recruitment page.

To learn more about national service and its benefits to members and communities, visit the federal agency AmeriCorps.

The Ohio Association of Foodbanks has partnered with the Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services on its Work Experience Program since 2014. This effort focuses on ensuring that certain unemployed or underemployed individuals can retain their SNAP benefits while gaining valuable job skills and experience through volunteer service. 

If you are an unemployed or underemployed adult without dependents in Franklin County and would like to reconnect with SNAP and work training opportunities, contact Erinn Garrison at egarrison@ohiofoodbanks.org. If you are an organization, nonprofit, or other company interested in hosting Work Experience Program participants at your Franklin County location, contact Cortney Guelker at cguelker@ohiofoodbanks.org.

The Ohio Association of Foodbanks partners with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) as an Affordable Care Act Navigator grantee. We partner with eight local and regional organizations to raise awareness and conduct outreach activities, help individuals shop for and enroll in an affordable Marketplace plan or apply for Medicaid, and promote improved health insurance literacy. Learn more at getcoveredohio.org.

The association continues to serve as the lead partner on the State of Ohio’s SNAP Outreach Plan, supporting participating Ohio foodbanks and raising awareness about SNAP for underserved and vulnerable Ohio households. If you need help affording food, we’d like to help you learn more about your eligibility to participate in SNAP. Learn more here.

The association also partners with the Ohio Development Services Agency to raise awareness about the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), and has previously partnered on initiatives and programs to connect individuals with affordable health coverage. Additionally, many other programs and services exist to help people struggling with household instability. If you’re having trouble paying the bills or keeping food on the table or the lights on, please learn more about how to connect with other resources.