ATHENS COUNTY, Ohio — Due to the federal government shutdown, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funds will not reload beginning Nov. 1. Recipients can use remaining benefits, but will not receive additional funds after Nov. 1.
According to 2023 U.S. Census Bureau data, 14% of Athens County households rely on SNAP. The county has around a 22% poverty rate. According to Feeding America, around 18% of Athens County is food insecure; 60% of whom receive SNAP benefits.
We’ve put together a list of food resources in the area to ensure the community has access to meals, seven days a week. Special community meals will continue to be added as we learn about them.
Did we miss anything? Email us info@athensindependent.com!
FOOD PANTRIES AND DISTRIBUTIONS
MONDAY–FRIDAY
- The Athens County Food Pantry: 10 a.m.–3 p.m. weekdays. Available for income-eligible families. 13183 SR 13, Millfield.
- Frozen meal pickup: 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. weekdays. Single or family-sized servings. Athens Community Cares Resource Center, 10 W. Washington St., Nelsonville.
MONDAYS
- Basics Needs at Albany Baptist Church: 10 a.m. second Monday. 5331 State St., Albany. Serving those within 10 miles of Albany.
TUESDAYS
- Choice-style Thursday pantry: 4–6 p.m. second Tuesday and fourth Thursday. Amesville Elementary School, 23 Main St, Amesville.
WEDNESDAYS
THURSDAYS
- Choice-style Thursday pantry: 4–6 p.m. second Tuesday and fourth Thursday. Amesville Elementary School, 23 Main St, Amesville.
FRIDAYS
- Federal Valley Resource Center food pantry: 11 a.m.–noon Friday. Federal Valley Resource Center, 8225 SR 329, Stewart.
WEEKENDS
- Nelsonville food cupboard: Noon–3 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The Nelsonville Food Cupboard, Mary Hill Center 1950 Mount Saint Marys Drive, Nelsonville. Hours extending until SNAP funding is restored.
- Saturday pantry: 1 p.m. first Saturday; The Athens County Food Pantry, 13183 SR 13, Millfield.
- Athens County Food Pantry Mobile Distributions: third Saturday. Pre-registration required. Albany, New Marshfield and Trimble.
- Choice-style monthly pantry: 12:30–1:30 p.m. last Sunday. Federal Valley Resource Center, 8225 SR 329, Stewart.
Only for seniors
- Seniors-only monthly food box: Register online or call HAPCAP at 740-385-6813.
Ohio University staff, faculty, students
- Pantry for Ohio University affiliates: Twice monthly by appointment. Available to students, faculty and staff of Ohio University who join Cat’s Cupboard program. Sign up online; email foodpantry@ohio.edu for more information.
FREE MEALS
MONDAYS
- Lunch: Noon–1 p.m. weekly on Monday. Athens First United Methodist Church, 2 S. College St., Athens.
TUESDAYS
- Lunch: 11 a.m.–2 p.m. weekly on Tuesday. Tavolino Restaurant, 9 N. Shafer St., Athens.
- Drive-thru dinner: 5:30–6:15 p.m. weekly on Tuesday; call ahead to reserve at 740-593-7414. Athens Church of Christ, 785 W. Union St., Athens.
- Community dinner: 5–8 p.m. last Tuesday. Take-away meals available starting at 5:45. Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, 193 Jefferson St., Nelsonville.
WEDNESDAYS
- Lunch and pantry: Noon–1:30 p.m. weekly on Wednesday; dine-in or carry-out. United Campus Ministries. 18 N. College St., Athens.
- Hot lunch: Noon–1:30 p.m. first Wednesday. Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 64 University Terrace, Athens.
THURSDAYS
- Supper and pantry: 5–6:30 p.m. weekly on Thursday. United Campus Ministries, 18 N. College St., Athens.
FRIDAYS
- Friday Night Life: Doors open 4:30 p.m. Dinner begins 5:15 p.m. weekly on Friday. Take-home food available. Plains United Methodist Church, 3 N. Plains Road, The Plains. Call 740-594-3339 or email@good-works.net.
WEEKENDS
- Amesville pancake breakfast: 8–10:30 a.m. second Saturday. Masonic Lodge, 5 Franklin St., Amesville.
- Lunch: Noon–1 p.m. weekly on Saturday; carryout, thrift store, blessing box. Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 64 University Terrace, Athens.
- Food Not Bombs Sunday vegan dinner: 4–6 p.m. second and last Sunday; mutual-aid resources available. 2 W. Carpenter St., Athens.
- Nelsonville community dinners: 5 p.m. weekly on Sunday; in case of bad weather, occurs Monday. Winter address varies, check Facebook for location. Nelsonville.
Only for seniors
- Hot weekday meals for seniors: 11:30–12:30 p.m. weekdays; caregiver or spouse meal included. Call 740-385-6813 ext. 2217 to reserve by 8 a.m. day of. Athens Community Center, 701 E. State St., Athens.
- Meals on Wheels delivery: Hot meals delivered three days a week via Hocking Athens Perry Community Action. Enroll online or call 740-385-6813 ext. 2217.
SPECIAL COMMUNITY MEALS
- Hot Box Chicken Fingers & Tots: Show SNAP card for free meal beginning Saturday, Nov. 1. 11 a.m.–midnight, Sunday–Wednesday; 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. Thursday–Saturday. Hot Box Chicken Fingers & Tots, 74 N. Court St., Athens.
- Spaghetti dinner: 2–4:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2. Vegetarian options available. All welcome; bring a container for leftovers. Waterloo Fire Department, 8224 Hawk Road, New Marshfield.
- Glouster free meal: 5–7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 3. Athens County Emergency Medical Services, Glouster Station 53, 54 Toledo St., Glouster.
- Albany, Coolville free meals: 5–7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 10. Athens County Emergency Medical Services, Albany Station 55, 5555 Fire Department Lane, Albany; Coolville Station 53, 26560 Main St., Coolville.
- Eighth annual community meal: 5–7 p.m. Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27: free and open to all. Tavolino, 9 N. Shafer St., Athens.
