Fighting hunger in central and eastern Ohio takes all of us—including the people we serve. Last month, Mid-Ohio Food Collective was proud to welcome our second cohort of Customer Advisory Council (CAC) members.
Council members share feedback on MOFC services and champion customer voices across our 20-county footprint. Their input and lived experiences help MOFC continuously improve how we feed our hungry neighbors.
“I wanted to give back and help as many people as I possibly can,” said council member Carl Craighead, who gets free community meals at the Mid-Ohio Kitchen at Reeb. “I see myself as a doer. I know my community could use a lot of changes, and I have a way of looking at things that can help make things happen.”
Building on the success of the CAC’s first year, MOFC’s goal was to make this new cohort even more representative of the people we serve. Applications were open to customers who received services from MOFC or our partner network within the past 12 months. This year’s council members demonstrate thoughtfulness, curiosity, and a willingness to share their lived experiences.
MOFC is proud to welcome 10 members to this year’s cohort:
The 2026 CAC has new and returning members, and together they represent an inclusive group of MOFC customers—from age and gender to geographical background. It’s also the first time that customers from outside Franklin County have been on the CAC. With a wider range of customer perspectives, this year’s council will help MOFC better understand the needs of the communities we serve.
Members will commit four hours a month to council work. This includes full-group meetings and check-ins with CAC Organizer Nicole DeLozier. They’ll use the rest of their time to learn about MOFC operations, participate in MOFC advocacy and campaign efforts, or start passion projects.
For example, returning council member Shannon Follins was the lead customer voice for the global news outlet Reuters’ in-depth feature on how the end of federal aid programs and budget cuts impact MOFC and our customers. Last year’s group formed the vision for Heart of the Table, an upcoming MOFC customer feedback program with no applications or long-term commitment. This includes surveys, community conversations, and in-person or virtual discussions. The 2026 CAC will build on these initiatives and create their own.
“The first year of the Customer Advisory Council showed us what’s possible when the people we serve are partners, not just participants,” said Nicole. “They helped us listen differently, ask better questions, and see our services through the eyes of our customers, and we’re building on that foundation this year.”
MOFC held a kick-off for the second cohort on February 11. Council members reflected on the roles they play in social change, had their headshots taken, and shared a lunch prepared by the Mid-Ohio Kitchen. Nick Davis, MOFC chief innovation officer, welcomed the CAC and talked about their role in hunger relief.
“At MOFC, we believe lasting progress begins by listening directly to the people we serve,” Nick said to council members. “Through honest, authentic dialogue, this council can continue shaping real change, and together we can build stronger solutions to fight hunger.”
The CAC kick-off set the tone for this year’s group. Council members felt empowered to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with MOFC in ending hunger.
“I want to be a part of the change to help people who are disadvantaged,” said CAC member Kathy Springer. “I was on that side, and now I’m on this side [of the conversation].”
