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Efforts to ensure families in Greater Cincinnati have access to a Thanksgiving meal are increasing as several local organizations prepare distributions across the region.
The need is growing quickly, and groups such as the Freestore Foodbank and St. Vincent de Paul report a sharp rise in residents seeking assistance.
Data from the Freestore Foodbank shows that one in seven people in the region face food insecurity, with the organization noting that demand this season is higher than usual. In response to this need, several Thanksgiving meal distributions in Greater Cincinnati are being organized to support those facing hunger.
St. Vincent de Paul, formally known as the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, says the need this year is unprecedented.
1,000 Thanksgiving meals
On Tuesday, FOX29 featured St. Vincent de Paul distributing 1,000 Thanksgiving meal kits containing fresh produce, traditional side dishes, and a turkey.
The event begins at 9 a.m. at the Don & Phyllis Neyer Outreach Center, located at 1146 Bank Street in Cincinnati’s West End neighborhood. Families do not need to register beforehand, but the organization encourages early arrival due to the expected turnout.
Kaytlynd Lainhart of St. Vincent de Paul Cincinnati told FOX19 that 150 volunteers have come for the distribution of meal kits which is on a ‘first come, first serve’ basis.
“It really just matters that we are here for our neighbors, that’s why we do what we do,” said.
Other holiday food distribution
Meanwhile, the Freestore Foodbank, one of the region’s primary hunger-relief organizations, is also holding multiple holiday food distribution events throughout November at its market locations and offsite venues across the Greater Cincinnati area.
Its leadership emphasizes the growing number of children at risk of hunger.
“Right now, we estimate that at least 82,000 children in our Tri-State region are at risk of hunger. That number keeps growing, and we have to do all we can to make sure families have enough food on their table,” said Trisha Rayner, Freestore Foodbank’s Vice President of External Affairs, in a public statement.
Below is a list of dates, times, and locations for the ongoing Thanksgiving and holiday meal distributions across the region. All times are local.
Freestore Foodbank Holiday Distributions (November)
- Liberty Street Market: 112 E. Liberty St., Cincinnati, from Nov. 3 – Nov. 26, Monday–Friday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- The Bea Taylor Market: 3401 Rosenthal Way, Cincinnati, from Nov. 4 – Nov. 26, Tuesday–Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Offsite food distributions
- Florence Y’alls Stadium: 7950 Freedom Way, Florence, Nov. 25, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- St. Elizabeth Healthcare Covington Campus: 1500 James Simpson Jr. Way, Covington, Dec. 9, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Additional community meal events
- Confessions Bar & Restaurant Lounge: 1026 E. McMillan St., Cincinnati, Nov. 25, Noon – 2 p.m.
- Feeding Cincy – Dinners on Us, 3270 W. North Bend Rd., Cincinnati, Nov. 26. 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
- Granny’s Latonia Diner: 3728 Winston Ave., Covington, Nov. 26, 4 p.m.
- Good Plates Eatery: 235 W. McMillan St., Cincinnati, Nov. 26 and Dec. 23, 11 a.m.
- Cincy Community Table Holiday Extravaganza: Every Friday through Dec. 19, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Attendance limited to 75 guests per community table; registration required.
Participating locations:
- Hartwell Recreation Center – Just Cookin’
- Hirsch Recreation Center – Island Fryday’s
- Millvale Recreation Center – Brotherton’s Restaurant
- Winton Recreation Center – Hook Fish & Chicken
Freestore Foodbank December Distributions
- Liberty Market: 112 E. Liberty St., Dec. 1 – Dec. 24, Monday–Friday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Bea Taylor Market: 3401 Rosenthal Way, Dec. 2 – Dec. 24, Tuesday–Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- St. Vincent de Paul December Distribution: Neyer Outreach Center, 1146 Bank St., Dec. 18, 9 a.m.
St. Vincent de Paul to receive grant
Yesterday, Direct Relief announced that five organizations will receive $150,000 each. They are to implement or expand innovative nutrition programs that address social determinants of health in underserved communities.
The charitable pharmacy of St. Vincent de Paul was among the recipients of the grant for offering medication to uninsured and underinsured patients, advancing health equity by creating an educational program. This program is tailored to fit the unique cultural and economic realities of each patient.
Also read:
Cincinnati food insecurity: Why hunger is increasing and how the city plans to fix it
Cincinnati-area charitable pharmacy to receive grant for nutrition program
