City of Columbus launches pop-up food and resource events

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) - The City of Columbus launched a SNAP Response Plan to aid residents who have not received Federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for the month of November. Part of the plan is four 'pop-up' food and resource events. The first was held at Glenwood Community Center Thursday afternoon.

Dr. Mysheika Roberts, Health Commissioner of Columbus Public Health, said the SNAP benefits are integral for members of their community.

"Our residents who receive SNAP benefits now have not received their November allotment of money. And so many of those individuals rely on those foods for sustainability," Dr. Roberts said. "And we are here, and we'll be at three other locations over the next week to help our residents who are in need, who need food, who need produce, who might need some household items to carry them until their SNAP benefits are restored," said Dr. Roberts.

There are three more 'pop-ups' scheduled. 

• November 7, 2-6 p.m.
  • Scioto Southland Community Center, 3901 Parsons Ave.
• November 10, 2-6 p.m.
  • Linden Community Center, 1350 Briarwood Ave.
• November 12, 2-6 p.m.
  • Far East Community Center, 1826 Lattimer Dr.

"We know that, there are 170,000 individuals in Franklin County who receive SNAP benefits. Many of our residents who are in need, and oftentimes those are seniors. Those could be seniors who are caring for their grandchildren. Those could be individuals who have some type of disability. And we want to make sure that we do our best during these trying times to support them and help them as much as we can," said Dr. Roberts.

Residents who are SNAP recipients or SNAP eligible can take part in the events. There are groceries, frozen meals, other non-perishable items and many other resources available.

Dr. Roberts said recipients can get frozen food, produce including milk and eggs and pantry items at the pop-ups.

"We're trying to meet people where they are and give them something that can sustain them during these trying times. Our residents are our family. You know, they are part of our community. And the mayor feels strongly as well as all the different leaders within the city, that we are here to support our residents. They are part of us. And so, as we have family members who are going through difficult times, you want to support them," Dr. Roberts said.

The city is joined by many other local businesses and organizations in lending a helping hand for those in need.

Gionino's Pizzeria in Hilliard, Pickerington, and Westerville is offering a free six inch pan pizza for every child until the shutdown ends.

"We are here to support our community. It is important to us that, kids eat right. We understand that each unique family has its unique challenges associated with their family. It's important to us to ensure that those kids are still eating and having a solid meal," explained Bez Thompkins, Regional Director of Gionino's Pizzeria.

Businesses like Gionino's are a part of the community and hope to help make a positive impact during a time of struggle for many.

"There are a tremendous amount of families that need help, especially currently right now with the government shutdown. Right. So, it is important for us to ensure that those that need that assistance within our within our communities, we will be able to serve them, help them and also feed them," Thompkins said.

Swenson's Drive-In, Giovani's Pizza in Marysville, Bucci's Italian in Marion, and Chicken Salad Chick at Polaris are also providing food for children during the shutdown.

Columbus StandUp is also promoting a free spaghetti dinner for families on Friday, November 7 at G's Shepard Cafe at 900 Sunbury Rd. from 6-8 p.m.