Resources | Food: Hamilton County

RESOURCES, Uncategorized

When I first began this blog, I really wanted to teach others how I went from heroin addict & 5 time felon (whose record is now expunged 🙌🏼!) back to functioning human & how they can do the same.

Over time, as life happened & more babies were added to our family, I focused on other interests that were important to me at the time (and still are). I volunteered at City Gospel Mission once a month on a Friday to “humble myself so I wouldn’t forget where I came from and remind myself that I could be back there at any moment” (and because I genuinely enjoyed it) until the world shut down, but I will admit- I thought less and less about food banks since the beginning of my sobriety… until I began needing them again a couple years ago for the first time since getting sober. Well, I’m back here… And still sober. Didn’t see that one coming!

Over those last couple years, the food banks, not only in Cincinnati, but throughout America, have served more people than ever before. They are struggling to keep up with the amount of people who are currently facing food insecurity in America. Similar articles can be found showing that this has been going on continuously since 2020, and only getting worse daily.

When UNWLA Branch 144 first formed, I was tasked with this job to create a list for group of all of these places – in Ukrainian language – for the major influx of Ukrainian refugees, but with homeschooling, and homemaking/mini homesteading, and also going back to work part time for the first time in 6 years, I continued to push it down further and further on my list of priorities.

However, lately, more & more people have been asking me where they can go to get help with food, so I wanted to put together a super master list that I can share anytime someone needs help. A list that will involve every single place, by area, with a list of documents required all in one place (that will be translated into Ukrainian still as well 💙💛) because searching for these places can be extremely tedious and overwhelming.

I’ve been waiting to post this until it was perfectly finished, but with it being such a major need at this time, I decided the perfect time is now. I will continue to add to & work on this list as time allows.

Because of how large each county is, and how many places are available, especially in Hamilton Co., I am going to break it down by county to make it easier. So, in other words this is only the first list. I’ll link counties at the bottom of this page as I complete them. Other resources besides food will be listed in separate posts. Places with ♡ by the name will accept any Hamilton County resident.

I truly hope this helps ❤️

CENTRAL

Avondale, Bond Hill, Deer Park, Hartwell, Kennedy Heights, Kenwood, Oakley, Norwood, Pleasant Ridge, Roselawn, Silverton

♡ • Adventist Community Services  • ♡

Address: 725 Whittier Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229

Contact: 513-518-9213

Hours: Monday & Wednesday 11:30 am – 2 pm. Not open the first week of each month.

Website

• Caring Place •

Address: 6312 Kennedy Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45213

Serves: Kennedy Heights, Pleasant Ridge, Golf Manor, Silverton.

Contact: 513-841-1499

Hours: Tuesday & Thursday (9 am – 1 pm)

Documentation: ID & Current Utility Bill

• Church of the Ressurrection | Bond Hill Food Pantry •

Address: 1619 California Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45237

Contact: 513-242-0400

Hours: 1st 4 Wednesdays of the month 12 – 2 pm.

Website

♡ • Greater New Hope Missionary Church Food Pantry • ♡

Address: 3655 Harvey Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229

Serves: Anyone facing food insecurity

Contact: 513-281-3251

Hours: Third Saturday of the month (10 am – 12 pm)

• Love Star Food Pantry •

Address: 760 North Fred Shuttlesworth Circle, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229

Serves: 45229

Contact: 513-221-5049

Hours: Third Wednesday of the month (10 am – 12:30 pm)

• Madisonville Education & Assistance Center •

Contact: 513-271-5501

Hours: Tuesdays, 9:30 am – 11:45 am and 12:30 – 3 pm. Hours vary, please check website or call ahead.

Documentation: Photo ID, proof of residency

Website

• Nativity of Our Lord / Bond Hill Food Pantry •

Address: 5935 Pandora Ave. Cincinnati, Ohio 45213

Contact: 513-242-0400 to schedule appointment

Hours: Wednesdays from 12 – 2 pm (not open 5th Wednesday of the month).

• N.E.E.Ds Food Panty @ Kenwood Baptist Church •

Address: 8341 Kenwood Road, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45236

Serves: 45236, 45241, 45242, 45243, 45249

Contact: 513-891-0850

Hours: Tuesday & Thursday (9 am – 1 pm)

Documentation: Proof of address, + proof of utility shut off or eviction notice (for financial assistance only). One visit per month.

• New Life Temple Church •

Address: 4836 Ward Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45227

Contact: 513-527-5943, extension 3.

Website

• Norwood Service League •

Address: 2071 Lawrence Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45212

Serves: Anyone who lives or works in the City of Norwood.

Contact: 513-924-1200

Hours: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9 – 10 am.

Documentation: Photo ID, proof of residency, proof of income.

• Oakley Community Food Pantry •

Address: 4100 Taylor Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45209

Serves: Anyone in 45209

Contact: 513-871-3136

Hours: Tuesdays 10 am – 1 pm

Documentation: Photo ID, proof of residence or rent receipt

♡ • Olivet Baptist Church Food Pantry • ♡

Address: 6939 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45236

Serves: Anyone facing food insecurity

Contact: 513-549-7096

Hours: Third Wednesday of the month (2:30 – 4:30 pm)

• Operation Give Back •

Address: 10891 Millington Court, Blue Ash, Ohio 45242

Serves: Blue Ash, Montgomery, Sharonville, Sycamore Township, and Symmes communities.

Contact: 513-489-2023

Hours: Wednesday 9 am – 12 pm, *by appointment only. Must call by Tuesday afternoon to reserve appointment.*

Website

• Valley Interfaith Church •

Address: 420 Wyoming Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45215

Serves: 45215, 45216, 45217, 45224, 45231, 45232, 45235, 45241, 45242, 45262

Contact: 513-821-3233

Hours: Monday (10 am – 12 pm), Wednesday (4 – 6 pm), Friday (10 am – 12 pm)

Documentation: ID & Proof of address (dated within 60 days)

• Woven Oak Initiative •

Address: 2301 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, Ohio

Serves: 45212

Contact: 513-580-4824

Hours: 1st Tuesday of month 10 – 11:30 am. 2nd Tuesday of month 5 – 6 pm. 3rd Tuesday of month 10 – 11:30 am.

Website

NORTH

Colerain, Mt. Healthy, Springdale

• Bountiful Blessings Food Pantry •

6110 Highland Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45216

Contact: 513-276-0111

Hours: Friday (walk up), 11 am – 2:30 pm, Saturday (drive thru), 10 am – 12 pm.

• Corpus Christi Church Food Pantry •

Address: 2014 Springdale Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45231

Serves: 45231

Contact: 513-825-0618

Hours: Monday – Thursday (10 – 11:30 am), Tuesday (6 – 7:30 pm)

• Christ’s Community in College Hill •

Address: 5742 Hamilton Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45224

Contact: 513-541-0303

Hours: Monday – Thursday, 10 am – 12 pm

Website

• Fairfield Food Pantry •

Address: 78 Donald Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio 45014

Serves: 45014, 45015, 45011, 45013

Contact: 513-829-9047

Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 12-3 pm

Documentation: Photo ID, proof of residency

Website

• Gray Road Church of Christ •

Address: 4826 Gray Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45232

Contact: 513-541-4100

Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Friday 10 am – 1 om

Documentation: Photo ID

♡ • Healing Center • ♡

Address: 11345 Century Circle Way, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246

Serves: Anyone facing food insecurity

Contact: 513-346-4080

Hours: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday Saturday, 9 – 11 am. Thursday, 6:30 – 8 pm.

Documentation: piece of mail with address postmarked within 60 days.

Website

• House of Praise •

Address: 8780 Colerain Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45251

Contact: 513-521-0946

Hours: Wednesday 5-7 pm, Saturday 10 am – 1 pm

• Lincoln Heights Baptist Church •

Address: 9913 Wayne Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45215

Serves: 45215, 45216, 45240, 45246, 45249

Contact: 513-744-6261

Hours: Monday – Friday (1 – 3 pm)

Documentation: ID required

• Little Flower Church •

Address: 5560 Kirby Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45239

Serves: Those in Little Flower Parish Boundaries

Contact: 513-541-5560

Hours: Tuesdays 1:30-2:30 pm & 6:30-7:30 pm

Documentation: Photo ID, proof of address, social security card for all minors

Website

• Mother of Christ Church •

Address: 5301 Winneste Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45232

Contact: 513-242-0164

Hours: Every Saturday except the 3rd Saturday 10 am – 12 pm

Website

• Mt. Healthy Alliance Choice Food Pantry •

Address: 7717 Harrison Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45231

Serves: 45231

Contact: 513-551-8036

Hours: Monday (11 am – 1 pm), Tuesday (5 – 7 pm), Thursday & Saturday (9 am – 12 pm)

Documentation:

• SON Ministries-Groesbeck UM Church Food Pantry •

Address: 8871 Colerain Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45251

Serves: 45224, 45231, 45239, 45247, 45251

Contact: 513-385-1750

Hours: Monday (10 am – 12 pm), Wednesday (10 am – 12 pm & 4:30 – 6:30 pm)

• Tri-County Soul Pantry

Address: 11177 Springfield Pike, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246

Serves: Greenhills, Springdale, Forest Park

Contact: 513-772-2277

Hours: Monday – Wednesday (9:30 – 11 am & 6 – 7:30 pm), Friday (9:30 – 11 am), Last Saturday of the month (9:30 – 11 am)

Documentation: ID & 2 current bills

Website

• West College Hill Neighborhood Services •

Address: 2062 West Bend Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45224

Serves: West College Hill, College Hill, North College Hill.

Contact: 513-542-7379

Hours: 1st & 3rd week of each month, Monday & Friday 10 am – 12 pm. Thursdays 6 – 8 pm.

SOUTH

Clifton, Correyville, Evanston, Mt. Adams, Mt. Auburn, Over The Rhine, Pendleton, Walnut Hills, West End.

• Bea Taylor Market •

Address: 3401 Rosenthal Way, Cincinnati, Ohio 45204

Contact: 513-241- 1064

Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 11 am – 7 pm. Friday: 11 am – 5 pm. Saturday: 10 am – 3 pm.

Documentation: Photo ID, proof of residency

Website: https://freestorefoodbank.org/bea-taylor-market/

• Bellarmine Chapel SVDP •

Address: 3801 St. Francis Xavier Way, Cincinnati, Ohio 45207

Serves: Avondale & Evanston

Contact: 513-745-1950, call for assistance

Hours: Saturday, 9 am – 12 pm.

• Bethlehem Baptist: Love Star Pantry •

Address: 760 North Fred Shuttlesworth Circle, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229

Serves: 45229

Contact: 513-221-5049

Hours: 3rd Wednesday of the month, 10 am – 12:30 pm.

Documentation: Photo ID

• Church of Advent Open Door Ministry •

Address: 2366 Kemper Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45206

Serves: 45206, 45207, 45219, 45212, 45229

Contact: 513-961-2100

Hours: Monday – Friday (9:30 – 11:30 am)

Documentation: ID & Proof of residence

♡ • City Gospel Mission • ♡

Hot dinner served daily 7 pm. Anyone facing food insecurity is welcome. No documentation required.

Address: 1805 Dalton Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45214

Contact: 513-241-5525

Website

• Community Market •

Address: 2104 Saint Michael Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45204. Main Building, 1st floor.

Serves: 45204

Hours: Tuesday and Thursday 10 am – 2 pm

Contact: 513-244-2214

Website

• Corinthian Baptist Church •

Address: 1920 Tennessee Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45237

Contact: 513-221-7351

Hours: Every 4th Thursday, 3 – 5 pm.

• Faith Food Pantry •

Address: 2000 Central Parkway, Cincinnati, Ohio 45214

Serves: Over the Rhine

Contact: 513-651-4673

Hours: Saturday 9 am – 12 pm

Website

• For His Glory Pantry •

Address: 931 McPherson Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45205

Serves: 45204, 45205, 45238

Hours: Thursday 11 am – 12:30 pm

Documentation: Photo ID, proof of residency

Website

♡ • FreeStore FoodBank • ♡

Address: 112 E. Liberty Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

Serves: Anyone facing food insecurity

Contact: 513-241-1064

Hours: Monday – Friday (8:30 am – 3:30 pm)

Documentation: ID

• Greater New Hope Missionary Baptist Church •

Address: 3655 Harvey Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229

Contact: 513-281- 3251

Hours: Every third Saturday 10 am – 12 pm

Documentation: Photo ID

• Holy Family Church SVDP Pantry •

Address: 3006 West Eighth Street, Cincinnati, Ohio

Serves: 45204, 45205, 45214, 45248

Contact: 513-921-7527 ext 109, Dale Hartlage

Hours: Monday & Friday 11 am – 1 pm

Documentation: Photo ID, proof of residency

Clients may shop every two weeks.

Website

• Immanuel United Church of Christ •

Address: 1520 Queen City Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45214

Contact: 513-921-1167

Hours: Wednesday, 10 am – 12 pm

Documentation: Photo ID, proof of residency, proof of income

• Jewish Family Services | Heldman Family Food Pantry •

Address: 3113 Clifton Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45220 (Campus of Hebrew Union College.)

Serves: all of Cincinnati Jewish Community, Clifton.

Contact: 513-469-1188 to make an appointment

Hours: By appointment only.

Kosher Foods are available. Home grocery delivery is available for individuals who cannot drive.

Website

• Mercy Neighborhood Ministries •

Address: 1602 Madison Road #200, Cincinnati, Ohio 45206

Serves: 45206, 45207, 45212, Ages 60+

Contact: 513-751-2500

Hours: Monday – Wednesday (9 – 11:30 am)

Documentation: ID & Proof of residence

• Mother of Christ Church •

Address: 5301 Winneste Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45232

Contact: 513-242-0164

Hours: Saturday 10 – 11:30 am

Documentation: Photo ID, proof of residency

♡ • Our Daily Bread • ♡

Address: 1730 Race Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

Serves: Anyone facing food insecurity

Contact: 513-621-6364

Hours: Monday – Friday (8:30 – 11:45 am)

♡ • Queen City Food Kitchen & Choice Food Pantry • ♡

Address: 2631 Gilbert Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45206

Serves: Anyone facing food insecurity

Contact: 513-961-1983

Pantry Hours: Tuesday & Thursday (10 am)

Kitchen Hours: Tuesday – Thursday (12:30 – 1 pm), Saturday (12 – 1 pm & 4 – 5 pm), Sunday (2 – 3 pm)

♡ • St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church Choice Food Pantry • ♡

Address: 1809 Rutland Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45207

Serves: Anyone facing food insecurity

Contact: 513-531-4337

Hours: Monday & Tuesday (1 – 2 pm)

♡ • St. Francis Seraph Ministries • ♡

Address: 1615 Republic Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

Serves: Anyone facing food insecurity

Contact: 513-549-0542

Bagged Lunch Hours:  (8 – 10:30 am)

Dining Room Hours: Monday – Friday (Breakfast: 7 – 9 am, Dinner: 4 – 6 pm)

• St. George Interfaith Food Pantry •

Address: 5224 Dennis Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45219

Serves: 45217, 45219, 45220, Any Veteran

Contact: 513-751-8771

Hours: Monday & Tuesday (6 – 7:30 pm), Last Friday of the month (12 – 1:30 pm), Last Saturday of the month (10  – 11:30 am), BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.

Documentation: Photo ID, proof of residency

Website

• St. Joseph Catholic Church •

Address: 745 Ezzard Charles Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio 45203

Contact: 513-381-4526

Hours: Second Tuesday of the month 9 am – 1:30 pm

• St. Leo Church •

Address: 2573 Saint Leo Place 45225

Serves: North Fairmont including English Woods, Roll Hill Apartments, and Millville.

Contact: 513-921-1044

Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 1-3:30 pm

Website

♡ • St. Vincent de Paul Society • ♡

Address: 1146 Bank Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45214

Contact: 513-421-0602

Hours: Monday – Friday 8 am – 4 pm

Call ahead to place your Pick up order.

Website

♡ • Salvation Army Choice Food Pantry of Cincinnati• ♡

Address: 114 East Central Parkway, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

Serves: Anyone facing food insecurity

Contact: 513-762-5600

Hours: Monday – Friday (1 – 3 pm), ONE VISIT PER WEEK.

• Seven Hills Neighborhood Houses •

Address: 901 Findlay Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45214

Serves: West End Community

Contact: 513-407-5362

Hours: Monday – Friday 9 am – 1 pm.

Daily Hot Meals also served in Community kitchen.

Website

♡ • Ted & Becky Catino Choice Food Pantry • ♡

Address: 1125 Bank Street, Cincinnati Ohio 45214

Serves: Hamilton County Residents

Contact: 513-421-0602

Hours: Monday – Friday (8 am – 4 pm), Saturday (8 am – 12 pm), BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.

♡ • Union Baptist Church Food Pantry • ♡

Address: 405 West 7th Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45203

Contact: 513-381-3858

Hours: 3rd Friday of each month 10 am

Website

• Walnut Hills Food Pantry •

Address: 2386 Kemper Lane, Cincinnati, Ohio 45206

Contact: 513-961-1983

Pantry Hours: Tuesday & Thursday, 12-1:30 pm

Kitchen Hot Meal Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 12-2 pm, Saturday Brunch 12-1 pm, Dinner 4-5 pm, Sunday Dinner 2-3 pm.

Website

♡ • Washington United Church of Christ • ♡

Address: 2950 Sidney Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45225

Contact: 513-312-7408

Pantry Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 12-2:45 pm

Hot Meal Hours: Monday – Thursday 12-12:30 pm, closed 3rd Thursday of month

Website

• West End Emergency Center •

Address: 727 Ezzard Charles Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio

Serves: 45203 & 45214

Contact: 513-381-5882

Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 10 am – 2 pm

Documentation: Photo ID, proof of residency

• York Street United Methodist Church •

Address: 816 York Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45214

Serves: 45214

Contact: 513-721-8095

Hours: Wednesday 10 am – 12 pm

WEST

Cheviot, College Hill, Fairmount, MillVale, Mt. Airy, Northside, Price Hill, Western Hills, Westwood, Winton Hills.

• Addyston United Methodist Church Pantry •

Address: 218 Main Street, Addyston, Ohio 45001

Serves: Hamilton, Cleves

Contact: 513-941-6034

Hours: Monday & Thursday 1-3 pm

Documentation: proof of residency

• Anderson Ferry Church of Christ •

Address: 308 Greenwell Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45238

Contact: 513-832-4200

Hours: Monday & Thursday 10 am – 12 pm

Documentation: State ID, birth certificate or custody agreement for all children under 18, proof of residence.

Website

• C.A.I.N. (Churches Active in Northside •

Address: 4230 Hamilton Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45223

Serves: 45223

Contact: 513-591-2246

Hours: Monday (5 – 7 pm), Tuesday & Thursday (10 am – 1 pm)

Hot meals available Monday from 5 – 6 pm.

Documentation: ID required

• Central Church of Christ •

Address: 3501 Cheviot Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45211

Contact: 513-481-5820

Hours: Monday – Friday 9 am – 3 pm

Free meal every Wednesday at 5:30 pm, anyone is welcome.

Website

• Childhood Food Solutions Food Pantry •

Address: 2574 Saint Leo Place, Cincinnati, Ohio 45225

Serves: 45225

Contact: 513-399-6059

Hours: Monday – Friday (9 am – 3 pm)

• Edward J. Eiding Food Pantry at Eden Chapel •

Address: 150 Dahlia Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45233

Serves: Delhi, Saylor Park

Contact: 513-941-4183

Hours: 2nd Wednesday of month 12-4 pm. 4th Wednesday of month 2-6 pm.

Documentation: Photo ID or other form of identification (passport).

Website

• Gray Road Church of Christ •

Address: 4826 Gray Road, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45232

Contact: 513-541-4100

Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Friday 10 am – 1 pm.

Documentation: Photo ID

• Harrison Avenue Assembly of God •

Address: 949 Harrison Avenue, Harrison, Ohio 45030

Contact: 513-367-6109

Hours: Tuesday – Friday 9 am – 2:30 pm

Documentation: Photo ID

♡ • Harrison Avenue Church on Fire • ♡

Address: 10544 Harrison Avenue, Harrison, Ohio 45030

Contact: 513-367-6109, or text “food” to 513-268-0756

Hours: Wednesday 6-8 pm

NO DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED.

♡ • Helping Hands Pantry • ♡

Address: 9746 Dry Fork Road, Harrison, Ohio 45030

Serves: anyone facing food insecurity

Contact: 513-788-1172,  appointment preferred but walk-ins welcome.

Hours: Monday & Friday 1 – 3 pm

Hot Meal offered every 5th Saturday 11 am – 1 pm. Meal delivery available for those without transportation.

Website

• Manna Outreach INC. Pantry •

Address: 931 McPherson Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45205

Contact: 513-924-5344

Hours: Wednesday (11 am – 1 pm), Every 3rd & 4th Saturday (11 am – 1 pm).

• Mt. Healthy Alliance Food Pantry •

Address: 7717 Harrison Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45231

Serves: Mt. Healthy

Contact: 513-551-8036

Hours: Monday 11 am – 1 pm, Tuesday 5 pm – 7 pm, Thursday & Saturday 9 am – 12 pm

Documentation: Photo ID, proof of residency

Website

• Mt. Hope Baptist Church •

Address: 9200 Stimple Road, Harrison, Ohio 45030

Serves: Harrison & Cleves

Contact: 513-367-0450

Pantry Hours: Last Thursday & Friday of the month 1-3 pm

Fresh Produce Giveaway: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 12 – 2 pm.

♡ • Oak Hills United Methodist Church • ♡

Address: 6069 Bridgetown Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45248

Contact: 513-574-1131

Hours: Wednesdays 6:30 – 8 pm, 1st & 3rd Saturday 9 – 11 am

Documentation: No Documentation required, but will need to fill out a form upon arrival

Website

• St. Boniface Pantry SVDP •

Address: 1750 Chase Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45223

Serves: families within Parish boundaries

Contact: 513-541-1563

Hours: Saturday 1-3 pm

Documentation: Proof of residence, identification for each family member

Website

• St. John the Baptist SVDP •

Address: 520 Park Avenue, Harrison, Ohio 45030

Contact: 513-300-4962 for home delivery

Hours: 2nd Saturday 10 – 11 am, 4th Saturday 11 am – 1 pm

• St. Michaels Center •

Address: 2104 Saint Michael Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45204

Serves: 45204

Contact: 513-244-2214

Hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays 10 am – 2 pm

NO DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED.

• St. Therese Little Flower Food Pantry •

Address: 5560 Kirby Lane, Cincinnati, Ohio 45239

Serves: 45239

Contact: 513-541-5560

Pantry Hours: Tuesday (1:30 – 2:30 pm)

Hot meals available Tuesday from 6:30 – 7:30 pm

• St. William •

Address: 4108 West Eighth Street, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45205

Contact: 513-921-0247

Hours: Wednesday 6 – 7 pm.

Documentation: proof of residence

• SON Ministries •

Address: 8871 Colerain Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45251

Serves: Northwest Local School District & North College Hill school district.

Contact: 513-385-1793

Hours: Monday & Wednesday 10 am – 12 pm, Wednesday 4:30 – 6:30 pm

Documentation: Photo ID, bill with current address postmarked within 30 days.

♡ • Table of Hope • ♡

Address: 3707 Edgewood Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio 45211

Contact: 513-661-2428

Hours: Sunday 12:30 – 1:30 pm.

Documentation: Name, Address, Number in household.

Provides crockpot meal kits. Sign up for the wait list HERE.

Website

♡ • Tikkun Farms Free Market • ♡

Address: 7945 Elizabeth Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45231

You must first go across the street to Hilltop Shopping Plaza at 8200 Hamilton Avenue to get your shopping number. There will be a Tikkun Farm Flag placed by the second light post. Park in line of spaces by the flag and a volunteer will come to your car to assist you.

Contact: 513-570-6860

Hours: Tuesday 3 – 4 pm, Friday 1 – 4 pm, Saturdays 1 – 2 pm.

Crockpot meal kits also available.

• Washington United Church of Christ •

Address: 2950 Sidney Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45225

Serves: Anyone facing food insecurity

Contact: 513-312-7408

Hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays (12 – 2:45 pm), closed every 3rd Thursday of the month.

Free lunch provided Monday – Thursday from 12 – 12:30 pm.

• Westfed Food Pantry •

Address: 3628 Boudinot Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45211

Serves: 45211, 45238

Contact: 513-661-5166

Hours: Last two Thursdays of the month (1: 30 – 2:30 pm), One visit per month.

• Westside Vineyard Church •

Address: 3420 Glenmore Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45211

Serves: 45211, 45248, 45225

Contact: 513-922-7897

Hours: Monday 6 – 7 pm, Thursday 2 – 4 pm

Community Meal Hours (Dine in & Take out available) : Monday 6 – 7 pm

Website

• Westwood United Methodist Church •

Address: 3150 Harrison Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45211

Serves: 45211

Contact: 513-661-3139

Hours: Wednesday 10 am – 12 pm

Documentation: Proof of residency

EAST

Anderson, East End, Newtown

• Guardian Angel’s SVDP •

Address: 6531 Beechmont Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45230

Contact: 513-624-3147

Hours: Saturday morning, by appointment only

• Inter Parish Ministry Choice Pantry •

Address: 3509 Debolt Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45244

Serves: 45228, 45230, 45244, 45245, 45140

Contact: 513-561-3932

Hours: Monday – Wednesday (10 am – 2 pm), 1 visit per month.

Hot meals provided Monday from 5:30 – 7 pm.

• L.I.F.E. (Loveland Interfaith Effort) •

Address: 677 Loveland-Madeira Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45140

Serves: Loveland Community, 45140

Contact: 513-583-8222

Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 10 am – 12 pm, 4 – 6:30 pm. Friday & Saturday 10 am – 12 pm.

Documentation: Photo ID, Children: birth certificate, crib card, school record, medical or insurance card, a bill in your name with current Loveland address postmarked within 30 days. If you live in government subsidized housing, you must also supply a copy of your current lease.

Website

• Our Lord Christ the King SVDP •

Address: 3710 Eastern Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45226

Serves: 45226, 45230, 45244, 45255, 45202

Contact: 513-871-8611 or Jim Patton, jimpatton49@gmail.com

Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 3:30 – 6:30 pm

• SEM Choice Food Pantry •

Address: 2020 Beechmont Ave, Cincinnati, Ohio 45230

Serves: Eastern Hamilton Co.

Contact: 513-231-1412

Hours: Monday – Friday (10 am – 2 pm), Tuesday (5:30 – 7 pm), Saturday (10 am – 12 pm)

♡ Mobile Pantries ♡

• Community Action Agency •

Please check website for current schedule and locations.

Contact: 513-569-1850 or Sharon Watkins at swatkins@cincy-caa.org

Website

• Healthy Harvest Mobile Food Pantry •

Please check website for current schedule, or text HMHH to 833-709-0969 to receive free updates by phone.

Website

Until next time ♡ Mama Morozov

Parenthood Perspectives

Motherhood, Uncategorized

I may never be the type of mom that knows how to get stains out of clothes, but I am the kind of mom that throws our stained items in a bin + throws a random “tie dye party” with the kids in the back yard every now & then.

Knowing what to use to get stains out doesn’t make you a better mother. You don’t have to be Pinterest perfect to be a good mom. Life is not one size fits all. Live outside the box & find the solution that works best for you. You are already enough ♡ & so am I.

Until next time ♡ Mama Morozov

Little Summer Cuts

Motherhood, Uncategorized

We went with Grandma Colleen to lunch today at Panera (I had a pick 2: Mediterranian Veggie Sandwich + Strawberry Poppyseed Salad without chicken… SO yum! The girls both had mac & cheese + strawberry yogurt) then took Sasha + Athena to get their hairs cut for summer!

We wanted to break the girls up by the big & little so it wouldn’t be as overwhelming for anyone which was a really good idea.

Before

During

After

They look so cute & behaved so well today. I was so proud of them!!

Back to mom life.

Until next time ♡ Mama Morozov

A Year With Moses

Motherhood, Uncategorized

I can’t believe it was Moses’ birthday yesterday!! A whole year has passed since he was born. He’s my best friend. My little dude. My Mosie Wosie. We have a special connection that no one else can understand, but I’ll try to explain it to you ❤

This photo was taken the day before he was born.  I was so excited to meet my baby. We waited until birth to find out the gender.

Towards the end of the day I began feeling extremely nervous. More nervous than with any of my others babies births. A different nervous, like something was wrong. Maybe it was the fact that I didn’t know the gender, or maybe it was because I was using a different doctor & hospital this time because of financial reasons. Whatever it was, my intuition is strong.

I woke up still nervous as can be. A total anxious wreck. More nervous than excited. My father in law asked if I was normally this nervous. I said, “no. Not at all.” We headed to the hospital.

Before surgery, I had a terrible feeling. During prep, I had to have my spinal done twice because the first one wasn’t done correctly. This time I felt a “pop” that I’ve never felt before in any previous c-section. I remember hoping I wasn’t paralyzed when this was all over. 

During the surgery, everything seemed to be going fine. They let me know I would feel pressure, and my husband said “it’s a boy!” The look on his face was all worth the wait. That was one of my favorite memories of seeing Niko.

They didn’t let me hold him right away. That was weird. It didn’t hit me that something was wrong yet. I asked to hold him. Niko handed him to me and took this photo of us. I began feeling really weak. I was pouring sweat. I told Niko he needed to hold him. I began feeling scared. This didn’t feel right. I asked Niko to hold my hand. I felt like I maybe wasn’t going to make it through this time.

I was told the doctor sliced my bladder and another team was on their way for a bladder surgery. I don’t remember much else until we got back to the room. My brain isn’t ready to remember yet.

The doctor told us we were not allowed to have any more babies because my uterus & bladder are now fused together. I was told I would need to wear a catheter for at least 2.5 weeks, possibly indefinitely- just depends on how well my body heals.

After an extremely traumatic birth experience, we made it through- alive & together. He was perfect.

Because of the birth trauma, nursing was difficult for us in the beginning. Everyone around me was trying to push me to give in to the formula, but I dug in my heels. There was NO was I was going to sacrifice nursing my baby.

My husband had to be home with the girls, so I was alone most of the day + night in the hospital- that was really hard for me. Like really hard. I held a grudge about that for a long time and every now and then those hurt feelings still pop up.

My mom came as often as she could to try to keep me in good spirits and fed. Normally I love me some good hospital cuisine room service, but I’d rate this cafeteria 1 star at best.

While I was alone in my room, my emotions hit me. I was in total shock over what happened. I felt betrayed being left alone, especially so quickly, after what happened. I felt grief and loss over the fact I was told I couldn’t carry anymore children, that was not our plan at all and that decision was taken from me. I felt anger for that. I felt worried that my sadness would affect my bonding with my son. I felt guilty for being upset. I was unsure of what the outcome of this injury would be. I was worried about what our financial situation would look like since Niko had to take off work to be our primary caregiver. I was a total mess of emotions

I was stuck inside a shitty hospital, with a shitty view, and had no idea what the future was about to bring so I cried. And while I was crying a nurse walked in. She did she said nothing. She did her business then left. Then returned with a piece of paper, maybe it was a packet, and told me she needed me to fill it out. It was scale to find out if I had post-partum depression.

I didn’t have post partum depression. I had birth trauma, natural emotions, and was totally out of control of my own body & health. I had a life changing situation occur

Once we came home, I began feeling better. I don’t do so well in hospitals. Never have. Usually I’m up walking around as soon as I return to my room and beg the doctors to let me leave until the minute my discharge papers are in my hand.

I was pretty immobile with the catheter. When I laid down, all of the urine pooled until I stood up. I’d have to stand at the top of the stairs while my husband walked the bag down it to get it to fully drain. Turns out, it was put in incorrectly and wasn’t properly draining. I learned this while checking to see if my bladder healed. They strapped me to this metal table horizontally, but they had to turn the table up vertically to get it to drain at all. I’m lucky I didn’t get a serious infection.

For the first several months after I was still moving much slower than normal, but I was loving every second of getting to know Moses. We have been inseparable since his birth.

He is a total Mama’s Boy & I couldn’t be happier about it. Since he’s our baby, I try to appreciate the moments more. I try to not complain when he needs more of me than I have to give. I will carry him as long as he’ll let me. I will nurse him as long as he wants. He’s my baby & I won’t rush these precious last moments.

He’s my second chance at being a boy mom. I messed up my first time so badly & was “robbed” of my boy mom experience by my relapse after his c-section. I missed so many important parts of his life while I struggled to get sober. I so desperately wanted a second chance.

I got my second chance & this time I won’t mess it up. I was convinced for so long that God wasn’t going to let me have another chance with a son as “punishment” for not taking better care of my first. I was given another chance in exchange for my ability to have anymore children. He was well worth it.

[*Just to clarify- I do not see my girls as a punishment at all. I love them each to death, they are amazing & have taught me so much about sisterhood both at home and the broader sense of the word. They are each a piece of me and a necessary part of my life lessons, some I’m learning now & others I’ll continue to learn along the way.]

He has the sweetest heart & knows just how to melt yours. He’s a total cuddle bug. He loves music & dancing to it. He’s picky about food, but when he really likes something he makes it know with a loud “mmm” and a smack on the highchair. He’s shy around new friends, but once he opens up he has such a fun personality. We can’t go anywhere without someone stopping to comment on how beautiful of a boy he is. On two totally separate occasions, an elderly woman has walked up to him just to tell him he makes the world a better place. That can’t be coincidence.

He still nurses regularly throughout the day and at least once at night. He’s in 2T clothing already and around 25 pounds.

He has 8 teeth. 4 on top, 4 on the bottom. He’s cruising along, but not yet walking on his own. He’s starting to say a few words. He now says “stop” when his sisters are bothering him too hard. It comes out more as “op,” but it’s clear he knows what he means. He also now says “up” when he wants to be held.

We had a really nice simple birthday celebration for him last night We ordered Larosa’s Pizza and shared cake & ice cream. He “opened” his presents and played. His real celebration will be this weekend.

I am so very grateful for Moses and this past year. He has brought us so much joy, gratitude, and so much love. He has so much love just flowing from his tiny little body. His aura is absolutely hypnotizing.

I am excited to see who he becomes as he grows. I will continue to take these moments all in and not take any of them for granted. Before I know it, these days will be a distant memory that I miss terribly, no matter how hard it gets sometimes.

We love you so much Mosie ❤ You truly do make the world a better place because of you.

Until next time ♡ Mama Morozov

Mother’s Day 2022

Crafts & DIY, Motherhood, Uncategorized

Happy Mothers Day to all the mama’s out there! I hope that today was wonderful for you.

I started Mothers Day weekend off at my parents house. My dad made a French toast, fresh fruit, and potatoes breakfast for my mom & I on Saturday.

After breakfast, my mom & I went to our favorite local flower farmer annual plant sale. I am so happy about my picks. We got them planted today (Sunday) and I cannot wait to see them grow! I swear her flowers just take root so much better than anything I’ve gotten anywhere else around town!

After the plant sale, Niko & I took the kids out to the annual Chili Cook Off & Dessert Auction at church. I REALLY enjoyed the vegetarian chili. My mother in law told me that she would ask the woman who made it for the recipe for me.

The dessert auction was fun. I couldn’t believe how much some of these families paid for these homemade desserts! One cake went for over $1000! It was to raise money for the Youth Mission Trip. (My father in law let us know today that the entire trip is paid in full thanks to the auction!) Next year I really want to enter a dessert or two into the auction. I wonder how much mine would go for?! 🤔

My father in law made & entered a “Strawberry Fields Forever” strawberry shortcake filled with real strawberries 🍓 and topped with a homemade strawberry glaze. He bid on & won that for us all to share. It was SO yummy! My mother in law bid on chocolate chip cookies for us to share. We also ended up bringing home a red velvet & cream cheese frosting cake.

Gifts

We bought plain white photo frames. I wrote Happy Mothers Day in the center & the girls signed all of their names and colored with Sharpies. After they were finished, we printed out photos of Moses & the girls and put them inside of the frames.

Mia & I had gone to Trader Joe’s the afternoon beforehand to buy several bouquets of flower arrangements. I took the arrangements apart and I laid all of the flowers on the table for the girls to make new bouquets for the Babas (Ukrainian word for grandma 👵🏼) except for the roses (since they had thorns) which I split 3 ways evenly.

They ended up turning out really cute! I thought this was a super fun way for the girls to be involved. I loved doing this with Mia at Findlay Market last year and really wanted to be able to make it possible for all of the girls to create real bouquets together to gift to their Babas for Mothers Day and thought this would be the easiest and less stressful way to accomplish that.

We assembled all of our gifts together and packed them up for each Baba.

I wish I would have gotten a picture of all of the completed bouquets. They were really pretty. Both my mom & Ali were really impressed with the girls work. I really hope that we made them feel special today.

Mia & Ella each made me a few things. Mia made me a cupcake 🧁 at The Mad Potter & a really cute card. Ella made me a mushroom 🍄 at The Mad Potter, a clay bowl in art class, a bouquet of paper flowers each listing different reasons why she loves me, & a box of “coupons” for me to cash in for various things like hugs, a walk around the block, or helping me out around the house.

Noah, Ella, Luda, Mia, Ali, Niko & Moses, me, Athena, Kevin, Milana, Sasha

We went to church, then out to lunch with my husband’s parents, sister, & her two children: Noah & Milana.

The cousin crew! Ella, Sasha & Moses, Athena, Mia & Milana, Noah. I can’t believe how big they are all getting.

One of my favorite gifts I received (from Kaden) was my Ukrainian mosaic butterfly 🦋 to add to my garden.

Of course I have my Ukrainian flag flying proudly. Then I added the sunflowers for the bad-ass Ukrainian woman who was giving out sunflower seeds to the occupiers so when they die sunflowers will grow. I moved the blue & yellow flower over to this space to go along with the Ukrainian tribute to my people.

I love love love the way that it looks! The butterfly really pulls it together. I got my new plants into the ground and I can’t wait to watch them grow through the season.

Well, after this busy weekend, I’m so exhausted I can barely keep my eyes open to finish writing this so I’m going to call it a night. 5 am will be here in the blink of an eye.

What was the best part of Mothers Day for you?

Until next time ♡ Mama Morozov

Ukrainian Pysanky 🇺🇦🥚🐣

Crafts & DIY, Motherhood, Uncategorized

Ella came home from school last Friday with a new school project: Economics Market.

All of her classmates will be opening their own “shops” at their desk where they will be selling a paper item that they make. They will be decorating the shops, telling a bit of information about the shop/what is being sold. Ella will be selling Pysanky, otherwise known as Ukrainian Easter Eggs.

Ella is Ukrainian- we all are. Her grandfather, my dad, is a Ukrainian immigrant. Needless to say, even though we are living in America, I feel the deepest connection to this war currently happening in Ukraine.

I’ve always been extremely proud to be Ukrainian, but the amount of pride and gratitude I have for my heritage now is immeasurable. I grew up being taught that Ukrainians are strong people; the strongest in the world. I had no idea that I would ever have to witness the magnitude of their strength in my lifetime.

My dad & I on his birthday last year (April 2021) after celebrating with authentic Ukrainian cuisine including pierogies & borscht.

I know that we are very lucky to be living in America, yet I feel the strongest yearning to be there. If my dad never came to America, this war would be our lives right now and that is a scary thought. Yet I still for some reason feel as if that is where I belong. 

That isn’t possible at this time, however, so for now I’ll just continue to embrace the culture at home with my family, even more so now. We’ll become fluent in the language and carry the traditions. One day, when it is safe for my small children, we will travel there. Today, we will make pysanky.

Pysanky

Pysanky is the word for Ukrainian Easter Eggs. Pysanky are believed to hold great power for peace & love in the world. They were originally used in Spring ceremonies to thank the glorious sun for warming the Earth after the cold, hard Winter.

The designs and symbols that are decorated on pysanky have significant meanings- usually a wish of good fortune for the person you are gifting your pysanky to. On Easter Sunday, you would gift your pysanky and kiss the recipient on each cheek for good luck.

There is an old Ukrainian folk tale that Evil (a vicious monster)  is chained to a cliff. Each year his helpers go around the world and report back to him the number of pysanky that have been decorated.

If only a few eggs are made, his chains loosen and evil flows throughout the world. However if many eggs are made, his chains tighten; allowing love to conquer evil.

With all of the evil going on in the world, we are going to need a LOT of eggs.

Setting Up Shop

First, we found pysanky coloring pages on Pinterest then printed them out. Ella colored each egg and then wrote a wish for each egg on the back of them.

Next, we colored the pages for her shop and we cut them out and assembled them.

“At Ella’s Ukrainian Eggs, you can find Ukrainian Easter Eggs which are believed to hold great power for love in the world. Each egg has a special wish for you. Ella made these to support her Grandpa from Ukraine.”

“If you love ❤️ Ukraine, you should get one of these Ukrainian Easter Eggs. Plus they’re great for Easter and it is to be believed that these Eggs hold great power for love ❤ in the world 🌍.”

Her shop turned out SO cute! I’m very excited to hear how her project and “shopping” day goes. I am also excited to hear what the other children made for their shops. I really loved doing this project together with Ella. I loved that we were able to incorporate our heritage and culture to make it more meaningful to share with her friends at school.

Easter Celebration

My dad’s birthday coincided with Easter this year (the day after) so we went over to my parents home to celebrate both Easter and his birthday with an Easter Feast from the Wodka Bar. They offered a special, limited Easter menu which was perfect.

The pierogies & kolachi were SOOO yummy! I cannot wait to try more food from there from the regular menu! I also am going to learn how to make delicious kolachi at home so I can eat it alllll the time!

Mia also made a pysanky for each of us. I loved mine so much!

Overall, this was a lovely Easter weekend and my heart feels very full & blessed. We got to spend time with both sides of our family. We did an Easter egg hunt for the kids and they received nice spring time gifts. We had lovely food that I didn’t have to prepare or clean up. We truly are so blessed in this life on Earth.

Happy Easter y’all.