Food Banks in Ohio

Combating Food Waste and Feeding Ohioans

What if surplus food could save lives? In Ohio, it’s already making a real difference.

Every year, millions of pounds of perfectly good food are wasted in the U.S.—from grocery stores, restaurants, and even homes. Meanwhile, thousands of Ohio families struggle with hunger and food insecurity. Addressing both challenges at once offers a powerful solution: redirecting surplus food to feed those in need.

The Problem: Food Waste vs. Food Insecurity

Food waste is a massive issue nationwide, and Ohio is no exception. Nearly 40% of food in the U.S. goes uneaten, often ending up in landfills where it produces harmful methane emissions.

At the same time, nearly 1 in 8 Ohioans — including children and seniors — face food insecurity. This sharp contrast highlights a critical opportunity: food that would otherwise go to waste can instead fill empty plates.

Food Rescue: Redirecting Leftovers to Communities

Across Ohio, grocers, farmers, and restaurants are partnering with food banks and nonprofits to safely redirect edible surplus food. The process works like this:

  • Grocers donate unopened or slightly damaged products.

  • Restaurants provide prepared meals or excess ingredients.

  • Farmers contribute surplus harvests or “imperfect” produce.

  • Food banks and rescue organizations collect, sort, and distribute these donations through pantries and meal programs.

These efforts not only feed hungry Ohioans but also reduce environmental waste.

Programs Making an Impact

Several organizations are leading the way:

  • Ohio Association of Foodbanks supports a statewide network of food rescue initiatives.

  • Second Harvest Food Bank partners with local businesses to recover and redistribute surplus.

  • Local gleaning projects engage volunteers to harvest leftover crops from farms and gardens.

Together, these initiatives maximize resources and strengthen Ohio’s food system.

How You Can Help

  • Shop smart: purchase only what you need and use leftovers creatively.

  • Support food rescue organizations through donations or volunteering.

  • Advocate for policies that encourage food donation and reduce waste.

  • Raise awareness by sharing stories and resources with your community.

Feeding Ohio by Fighting Waste

By reducing food waste, Ohio is not only protecting the environment but also nourishing its communities. Redirecting surplus food is a powerful way to transform potential waste into hope for families in need. Together, we can waste less and feed more.