Food Office
Mobile Produce Markets
Columbus Recreation and Parks Department offers Free Mobile Produce Markets throughout the year. The markets are set up as a drive-thru and staffed by volunteers wearing masks and gloves who load the produce directly into your trunk or car.
Free Mobile Produce Markets start Feb. 4 at the following community centers and run through December. Distribution at all sites begins at 3 p.m. and runs while supplies last.
Scioto Southland, Feddersen: First Friday
Adams, Dodge: Second Thursday
Barnett, Beatty Second Friday
Holton, Tuttle: Third Thursday
Far East, Linden: Third Friday
Marion Franklin: Fourth Thursday
If there’s not a site in your area, visit pantrytrak.com/ to find a resource near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Mobile Produce Market work?
Both walk-in and drive-thru options are available. All of our staff members and volunteers wear a mask, and will load the produce into the trunk of your car.
What do I need to bring? Do I qualify?
No tax information or identification is required.
The amount of fresh produce distributed to each eligible family (200% or below of the Federal Poverty Level*) is approximately a one-week supply based on the family size. You will not need to verify this information at the Mobile Produce Market. Unsure if you and your family qualify? Please reference the annual income amounts below.
Family Size: Annual Income
1: $25, 520
2: $34,480
3: $43,440
4: $52,400
5: $61,360
6: $70,320
What if I can't get there right at 3 p.m.?
Distribution begins at 3 p.m. and runs while supplies last. We recommend getting there as soon as the Mobile Produce Market begins.
Where does the produce come from?
We are thankful for our partner, Mid-Ohio Food Collective (MOFC)! All produce is delivered by MOFC and distributed throughout our community centers.
Why is there not a Mobile Produce Market closer to me?
Our Mobile Produce Markets happen in areas that are identified to have high-need and have a community center, which is used for distribution.
If we don’t have a location close to you, visit freshtrak.com and enter your ZIP code to find locations hosted by other community partners.
I don't need produce. Is there another way to get involved? How can I help?
There are several way that you can help Columbus Recreation and Parks healthy produce to deserving families. You can sign up to volunteer at one of our distribution sites, and you can support us by joining our email list.
Subscribe now to receive email alerts to be notified about our schedule and help out by picking up food items and distributing to families that can use the support.
SUMMER FOOD MEALS
Families in need can text “Food” to 877-877, and receive a text back that will show free meal sites closest to them.
¡Spanish Si! Text “Comida” to 877-877 to receive information about summer meals sites in Español.
Our Summer Food Program, Go, Lunch!, offers free, nutritionally balanced meals during the Summer months at our community recreation centers along with other various locations (Dates and times may vary).
Last summer, more than 245,000 meals were served in the Columbus area. These meals are served to anyone between the ages of 1-18. Meals are also available for anyone ages 18-21 who have been determined by a state or local public educational agency to be mentally or physically disabled and involved in an independent education program. Our (downloadable) Summer Food information can be found here: English, Spanish & Somali.
Is your organization interested in hosting a Go, Lunch! Summer Food Program? The 2022 Columbus Recreation and Parks Summer Lunch Program Site Application will be available in March. Please be aware that applications are due April 15, and your organization must qualify as a non-profit in order to participate.
The 2022 Columbus Recreation and Parks Summer Lunch Program Site Application will open in March.
Application Coming SoonFor information about hosting a Go, Lunch! Summer Food Service site please email
Contact UsAfter School Meals
Many of our community centers provide afterschool meals for children up through high school seniors. These meals are sponsored by Children’s Hunger Alliance and free for all participants.
Please reach out to your local community center for more information.
Senior Food Program
Senior Food Boxes are available for pick-up 1-2 times per month from Dodge and Thompson Community Centers. Sign-up is required. Please call these sites for more information on eligibility.
Dodge: 667 Sullivant Avenue, Columbus, OH 43215 | 614-645-3176
Thompson: 1189 Dennison Ave. Columbus, OH 43201 | 614 645-3082
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