Although the holiday season has ended, hunger—and our community’s commitment to fighting it—hasn’t. That’s why Mid-Ohio Food Collective is reminding everyone of the urgent need for volunteers in the new year!
Whatever the season, it takes roughly 1,000 volunteers per week to run MOFC’s various assets and help our hungry neighbors. While many come from corporate, non-profit, community, and church groups, individual volunteers and families are just as welcome (and encouraged) to volunteer.
“It takes a village to keep Mid-Ohio Food Collective running,” said MOFC Volunteer Services Manager Jeremy Brauning. “During the holidays, everyone wants to get in the holiday spirit and give back to the community. That momentum tends to fade come January and February, but we know hunger doesn’t take a holiday.”
MOFC had 90% and 83% of volunteer shifts filled in November and December of 2023, respectively. In January of 2024, only 62% of volunteer shifts were filled when the month began. It’s a trend that persists year after year (see chart, right).
And while volunteer numbers tend to drop at the start of each calendar year, MOFC service visits don’t. In fact, the need grew dramatically in 2024, making the need for volunteers in early 2025 even more important. In 2022, MOFC helped hungry neighbors put food on their table 1.33 million times. In 2024, that number soared to 1.79 million, marking a 32% increase in two years.
“So, if you’re a donor who hasn’t volunteered with us before or a returning volunteer, now is the perfect time to get involved,” Jeremy said. “Even just a few hours of your time makes all the difference in January and February.”
Our neighbors count on us long after the holiday lights come down. Visit mofc.org/volunteer and start the new year by making a lasting impact when the need is greatest!
