A community effort to support seniors facing hunger
According to Feeding America’s most recent Map the Meal Gap report, approximately 7.4 million seniors experienced food insecurity and more than nine million could be insecure by 2050. Older adults face unique challenges, like health conditions, fixed income, social isolation and limited access to reliable transportation, that make it harder to consistently access nutritious food. This could lead to compounded health problems, higher use of medical services and/or increased isolation.
In Ohio, local partners within the Feeding America network like the Mid-Ohio Food Collective (MOFC), are working to ensure seniors don’t have to make impossible choices between food, medicine and housing. One way MOFC is addressing senior hunger is through its Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), which provides eligible Ohioans 60 and older with a free, monthly box of shelf-stable and nutritious food.
Recently, Nationwide employees took a hands-on approach to supporting this initiative during volunteer “takeover days” at the MOFC for the CSFP initiative. Nationwide’s coordinated effort over two days put the program well ahead of pace, averaging 450 boxes packed per volunteer day, which will help feed nearly 1,000 seniors facing food insecurity across Central Ohio.
“Events like takeover days bring our partnerships to life in a meaningful way. By stepping into our environment, volunteers gain a deeper understand of the challenges our neighbors face and the scale of work required to address food insecurity,” said Jeremy Brauning, volunteer services manager at MOFC. “At the same time, their energy and effort help us expand our reach and serve individuals and families efficiently.”
Nationwide’s support of the Mid-Ohio Food Collective goes beyond a single day of service. Volunteerism is one part of the company’s broader commitment to strengthening communities and supporting long-term well-being.
“Nationwide’s partnership with the Mid-Ohio Food Collective reflects a decades-long commitment to fighting hunger and strengthening the communities we call home,” said Chad Jester, president of the Nationwide Foundation. “Together, we’re working to ensure our neighbors have access to the food they need to live healthier, more stable lives.”
This year, Nationwide employees are helping to celebrate its centennial in 2026 by giving 100,000 hours of volunteer service to support their local neighborhoods. Through these efforts, employees are helping people across the country access food, medical care, emergency shelter and so much more.
Since 2000, the Nationwide Foundation has donated more than $41 million to Feeding America food banks and hunger-relief organizations. Since 2009, the Nationwide Foundation has donated more than 134 million meals through Feeding America.
Learn more about how Nationwide supports communities through its Corporate Citizenship initiatives, or help end hunger by donating, volunteering, or advocating through Feeding America.