Change in Process at the Kroger Community Food Pantry
The health and well-being of our customers, volunteers and staff are top priorities for us here at the Foodbank. To that end and due to the most recent coronavirus (COVID-19) updates, the Kroger Community Food Pantry will move from its current shopping model to pre-packaged boxes, beginning Thursday, March 12, 2020 until further notice.
Upon arrival to the Foodbank’s parking lot, every vehicle will be given a number and asked to park in an orderly fashion. A volunteer or staff member will conduct registration at the vehicle and a pre-packaged box will be delivered. There is no need for you to get out of your vehicle as the food box will be brought directly to you. In the interest of keeping human contact to an absolute minimum, what the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) calls “social distancing,” we believe that this is the safest course of action to take moving forward, especially during these challenging times.
We so appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we all look out for one another during this public health threat and as this situation continues to unfold. Thank you.
This is my first visit. What do I do?
When you arrive the Kroger Community Food Pantry with your photo ID, please take a number from the greeter at the entrance. Once your number group is displayed in the window, you are welcome to enter the pantry and find a seat. When your number appears on the display screen inside the pantry, please approach the welcome desk to register, and a pantry associate will assist you as you begin your shop-through.
If volunteer numbers allow, Pantry Express may also be available on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Simply ask the pantry associate or volunteer at the welcome desk if Pantry Express is open. If so, they will assist you as you complete your shop at the digital kiosk. A pantry associate or volunteer will then compile your chosen items and bring them to your vehicle. If Pantry Express is not available at that time, you are welcome to shop through the choice pantry as instructed above.
How often can I shop?
You are welcome to shop weekly at the pantry. One week per month will be a full shop-through of all items in the pantry, and the other weeks of the month you are welcome to shop for bread and produce only.
Do I need an appointment?
No – the Kroger Community Food Pantry is a walk-in pantry. No appointments needed.
How do families qualify to get food?
The Kroger Community Food Pantry uses the same State of Ohio guidelines that our partner agencies use. Families must have income below 200% of the Federal Poverty numbers, be residents of Ohio, and provide identification for the head of household. Learn more about the qualification process here.
What documents do I need to bring when I visit the pantry?
Is there a cost to shop at the Pantry?
No – there is no cost for the food we provide to the families we serve.
Does the Pantry serve families outside of Grove City?
While the Kroger Community Food Pantry is open to any qualifying customer, we encourage you to visit a pantry or other food resource that is closer to you if you live outside of Grove City and the surrounding area.
Visit our Get Food page to see our partner agency resources by county.
Can someone else shop for me?
Yes, this is called a proxy shop. If you would like to send someone to the pantry to shop for you, or if you would like to shop on behalf of someone else, there must be a signed Letter of Proxy on file prior to shopping at the pantry. You can download a Letter of Proxy to fill out in English or Spanish, or ask a volunteer or pantry associate at the pantry welcome desk for a Letter of Proxy form. It is required that a new Letter of Proxy be submitted every July or the first shopping visit after July.
Proxy shoppers should submit the Letter of Proxy during the next pantry visit, along with a photo ID and proof of residency for the person being shopped for.
NOTE: A proxy shopper can collect food for a MAXIMUM of two customers. If you are a customer AND a proxy shopper for another customer, you may shop only for yourself and that one other person. If you are not a customer yourself, you may shop for two people/families.
Does the Kroger Community Food Pantry offer any additional services?
Yes, we support our customers by making other services available, like providing assistance to families that wish to be registered for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — formerly known as Food Stamps. We also offer several other support services through our partners that can help families budget, live healthier, and be better prepared for any barriers or challenges that may surface.
What if I have a question that is not addressed here?
If you have any other questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the Kroger Community Food Pantry at 614.317.9482 and leave a message. A pantry associate will reach out to you within 24 hours.
Last year, the Kroger Community Food Pantry at Mid-Ohio Foodbank provided groceries to nearly 8,000 households in the greater Columbus area. The success of the Pantry depends on the commitment and generosity of many volunteers. We need people to staff the Welcome Desk, stock grocery items, and assist families shopping in the Pantry.
WATCH A VIDEO that tells more about volunteering in the Kroger Community Food Pantry