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Do Justice. Love Kindness. Walk Humbly.
Director: (614) 488-0681 ext. 106
Manager: (614) 488-0681 ext. 203
hearttoheart@FCchurch.com
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Tuesdays 9am to 12pm
Thursdays 9am to 12pm
First Community South
1320 Cambridge Blvd. Columbus, OH 43212
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March 23, 2024

By Weekly Update No Comments

Weekly Update

Statistics

Households Served

  • 65 in Drive- Thru on Tuesday, March 19
  • 42 at Pop-Up Pantry on Wednesday, March 20
  • 64 in Drive-Thru on Thursday, March 21
  • 29 total new families this week
  • Families Served YTD: 2,024

Mark Your Calendar

Heart to Heart will be closed Monday, April 8. The truck delivery for that day has been rescheduled to Wednesday, April 10.

Upcoming closings listed below:

Volunteers Needed

The following shifts next week are still in need of volunteers. Please click the button below to sign up for one of these open shifts.

Monday, March 25

  • 8:30 am- 9:30 am Cold Stocking (2)
  • 3:30 pm- 5:00 pm MOFB Order Unloading (4)

Tuesday, March 26

  • 10:00 am- 12:30 pm Drive-Thru (2)

Wednesday, March 27

  • 1:00 pm- 2:00 pm MOFB Shop-Thru (1)

Thursday, March 28

  • 8:30 am- 10:30 am Drive Thru (2)
  • 10:00 am- 12:30 pm Drive-Thru (1)

Friday, March 29

  • 9:00 am- 10:00 am Direct Retail Pickup (2)
  • 9:30 am- 10:30 am Cold Stocking Shift (2)
Sign up to Volunteer

News

Social Media

Here’s what you may have missed this week! To see regular updates, follow us on

Pop-Up Pantry Calendar

All Team Meeting

Calling All Gardeners!

One Time Volunteer Opportunity
South Side Family Farms

Minister Aaron at Franklinton Farms needs 10 volunteers to help plant seedlings on March 28th from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. To sign up, email lavanya.watkins@franklintonfarms.org.

  • Location: South Side Family Farms
  • Contact: Minister Aaron Hopkins, Farm Manager
  • Date: March 28, 2024
  • Location: 1460 S. Champion Avenue  43206
  • Time: 9:00 am-11:00 am
  • Volunteers Needed: 10
  • Tasks: Planting seedlings

Annual UAHS PTO Shred Day & Food Drive

Jumpstart your Spring Cleaning April 6 from 10 am to 1 pm at Jones Middle School. We will be on site collected non-perishable food items and cash donations. For an additional donation to the PTO, you can bring up to 3 boxes of paper ($5 each) to be confidentially shredded.

Donations Needed

We are running low on these items, and could use your material donations to hold us over until the next order arrives on March 25!

More information on donating, including a link to contribute online, can be found at h2h.FCchurch.com/donate.

Volunteer Training Opportunities

Mid-Ohio Food Collective Trainings

The Mid-Ohio Food Collective offers regular training opportunities for food pantry staff and volunteers. Trainings on FreshTrak and Food Safety will help you learn more about pantry operations and make you an even more effective volunteer! They also occasionally offer training on advocacy, and other topics that may be of interest to you.

For most trainings, volunteers will need to register with an agency name and number: Heart to Heart Agency #1042

Register Online at MOFC Agency360

Advocacy 101

Join the Conversation

MOFC’s Government Relations Team- Tim White and Hallie Carrino-Lee will host an open forum to discuss the State Budget and its effects on essential programs and benefits for your customers.

Explore ways to push back and advocate against the continued assault on SNAP and othe Hinger/Feeding issues and what’s happening on Capitol Hill.

Bring your questions and prepare to engage! Registration is required. This session of Advocacy will be held via ZOOM.

  • Thu, Jun 13 at 10 am

FreshTrak Basic Training

(FKA PantryTrak)

This online via zoom workshop will provide the fundamentals to get started with FreshTrak at your agency. Participants with learn how to administer the intake process using FreshTrak and will be guided on best practices for developing an efficient process in registering your clients. For agencies already using FreshTrak, this workshop will be helpful as a refresher of the basics.

Questions? Contact Ann Miller-Tobin at amillertobin@mofc.org

The following dates and times are available:

  • Tue, Apr 2 at 10 am

MOFC Food Safety Training

Level 1 Person In Charge

This training was developed by Feeding America and ServSafe for those who partner with foodbanks and is relevant to the work you are doing in your communities.

The course is online, at no-cost to your agency and once taken and successfully passed, the certification never expires for the person who takes the training!

Questions? Contact Ann Miller-Tobin at amillertobin@mofc.org

The following dates and times are available:

  • Mon, Apr 29, 10 am – 12:30 pm

3-Part Learning Journey

Facilitator Daniel Juday, will explore inclusion, culture, barriers and obstacles in the work that we do while learning tools for building better relationships with our customers, co-workers, and volunteers.

All sessions will take place in-person at the Mid-Ohio Food Collective main campus: 3960 Brookham Dr. Grove City, OH. 43123.

  • April 25 Part 1. Understanding Ourselves
  • June 4 Part. 2 – Understanding Our World
  • September 12 Part. 3 – Understanding Our Team

Questions? Contact Ann Miller-Tobin at amillertobin@mofc.org

For more information on this 3-Part training and a link to sign up, please click here.

March 16, 2024

By Weekly Update No Comments

Weekly Update

Statistics

Households Served

  • 60 in Drive- Thru on Tuesday, March 12
  • 40 at Pop-Up Pantry on Wednesday, March 13
  • 46 in Drive-Thru on Thursday, March 14
  • 49 total new families this week
  • Families Served YTD: 1,853

Notes

Tuesday is Election Day

Both First Community campuses serve as polling locations. Tuesday is election day (primaries), but Heart to Heart will remain open. The drive-thru will function with slight modifications to accommodate additional traffic in the parking lot. Volunteers are asked to please park on Cambridge Blvd. or First Ave, allowing preschool parents and voters use of the limited parking lot spaces. Heart to Heart will only close for November elections.

Upcoming Dates
  • Feminine Hygiene drive during worship this Sunday, March 17.
  • Next MOFB Truck delivery is Monday, March 25.
  • Yohan’s jury duty starts Monday, March 25.
  • First Community Offices close at noon on Good Friday, March 29. Heart to Heart has no volutneer shifts on Friday afternoons.
  • First Community Offices, and Heart to Heart, are closed all day Monday, April 1.

Volunteers Needed

The following shifts next week are still in need of volunteers. Please click the button below to sign up for one of these open shifts.

Monday, March 18

  • 8:30 am- 9:30 am Cold Stocking (2)

Tuesday, March 19

  • 8:30 am- 10:30 am Drive-Thru (7)
  • 10:00 am- 12:30 pm Drive-Thru (5)

Wednesday, March 20

  • 1:00 pm- 2:00 pm MOFB Shop-Thru (1)

Thursday, March 21

  • 7:00 am – 9:00 am MOFB Shop Thru (1)
  • 8:30 am- 10:30 am Drive Thru (7)
  • 10:00 am- 12:30 pm Drive-Thru (1)

Friday, March 22

  • 9:00 am- 10:00 am Direct Retail Pickup (2)
  • 9:30 am- 10:30 am Cold Stocking Shift (2)
Sign up to Volunteer

News

Feminine Hygiene Drive

We call on you to contribute to our effort to provide these products to our clients. Please bring donations to any worship service on Sunday, March 17. At FC North, you will find the Heart to Heart van in the parking lot, ready to take your donations. At FC South, you will see a volunteer waiting outside the Crane center!

As a reminder, these donation drives are set up during worship monthly to highlight a particular need at the food pantry. Heart to Heart can use feminine hygiene products and other items throughout the year! We still need things like soup, jelly, and oatmeal, even when that’s not the month’s theme. More info at h2h.FCchurch.com/donate

Read more about this topic in the March issue of On a Mission! newsletter.

Donations Needed

We are running low on these items, and could use your material donations to hold us over until the next order arrives on March 25!

All non-perishable donations are to be delivered directly to First Community South. Please leave them on the red cart marked for this purpose, which is in the alley across from the dumpsters, beneath the overhang, near the kitchen doors. This is the only area Heart to Heart can accept donations outside the building. Donations left elsewhere may not be received.

More information on donating, including a link to contribute online, can be found at h2h.FCchurch.com/donate.

Seasonal PUP Site

Franklinton Farms

From May through October, the PUP will serve at the South Park Apartments along with with Franklinton Farms. Franklinton Farms will provide fresh produce and a hot meal, while our Pop-Up Pantry provides groceries on the first Wednesday of each month. This seasonal distribution takes place outside in the afternoon, when many children are not in school.

Franklinton Farms is one of the three sites of South Side Family Farms organization. The organization’s goal is Planting Seeds of Progress through Cultivation, Collaboration, and Conversation. Through their Produce Package Program, South Side provides subscriptions of produce for the benefit of area food pantries/assistance programs. First Community’s Mission and Community Justice programs have been working closely with the director, Minister Aaron Hopkins on the development of the project over the past two years.

We are grateful for the growing partnership between our two organizations. The PUP team is able to provide dry goods to the South Park Apartments site once a month in cooperation with Franklinton Farms. In return, the Franklinton Farms project regularly provides produce to Heart to Heart’s drive-thru during the growing season. An opportunity to volunteer for their garden program is also available (see right).

Calling All Gardeners!

One Time Volunteer Opportunity
South Side Family Farms

Minister Aaron at Franklinton Farms needs 10 volunteers to help plant seedlings on March 28th from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. To sign up, email lavanya.watkins@franklintonfarms.org.

  • Location: South Side Family Farms
  • Contact: Minister Aaron Hopkins, Farm Manager
  • Date: March 28, 2024
  • Location: 1460 S. Champion Avenue  43206
  • Time: 9:00 am-11:00 am
  • Volunteers Needed: 10
  • Tasks: Planting seedlings
Long-term Volunteer Opportunity
First Community Share & Learn Garden

The Share & Learn Garden at First Community North is seeking volunteers for the upcoming growing season. This group of gardeners manages several raised beds that grow fresh produce for the food pantry. This is a great opportunity for those who want to contribute to the success of Heart to Heart in a unique way! Master Gardeners Cheryl and Loren Van Deusen will teach you everything you need to know, no experience required. If you want to learn more about the opportunity, the group’s first meeting is coming up soon.

Social Media

Here’s what you may have missed this week! To see regular updates, follow us on

Annual UAHS PTO Shred Day & Food Drive

Jumpstart your Spring Cleaning April 6 from 10 am to 1 pm at Jones Middle School. We will be on site collected non-perishable food items and cash donations. For an additional donation to the PTO, you can bring up to 3 boxes of paper ($5 each) to be confidentially shredded.

Volunteer Training Opportunities

Mid-Ohio Food Collective Trainings

The Mid-Ohio Food Collective offers regular training opportunities for food pantry staff and volunteers. Trainings on FreshTrak and Food Safety will help you learn more about pantry operations and make you an even more effective volunteer! They also occasionally offer training on advocacy, and other topics that may be of interest to you.

For most trainings, volunteers will need to register with an agency name and number: Heart to Heart Agency #1042

Register Online at MOFC Agency360

Advocacy 101

Join the Conversation

MOFC’s Government Relations Team- Tim White and Hallie Carrino-Lee will host an open forum to discuss the State Budget and its effects on essential programs and benefits for your customers.

Explore ways to push back and advocate against the continued assault on SNAP and othe Hinger/Feeding issues and what’s happening on Capitol Hill.

Bring your questions and prepare to engage! Registration is required. This session of Advocacy will be held via ZOOM.

  • Thu, Jun 13 at 10 am

FreshTrak Basic Training

(FKA PantryTrak)

This online via zoom workshop will provide the fundamentals to get started with FreshTrak at your agency. Participants with learn how to administer the intake process using FreshTrak and will be guided on best practices for developing an efficient process in registering your clients. For agencies already using FreshTrak, this workshop will be helpful as a refresher of the basics.

Questions? Contact Ann Miller-Tobin at amillertobin@mofc.org

The following dates and times are available:

  • Tue, Apr 2 at 10 am

MOFC Food Safety Training

Level 1 Person In Charge

This training was developed by Feeding America and ServSafe for those who partner with foodbanks and is relevant to the work you are doing in your communities.

The course is online, at no-cost to your agency and once taken and successfully passed, the certification never expires for the person who takes the training!

Questions? Contact Ann Miller-Tobin at amillertobin@mofc.org

The following dates and times are available:

  • Mon, Apr 29, 10 am – 12:30 pm

3-Part Learning Journey

Facilitator Daniel Juday, will explore inclusion, culture, barriers and obstacles in the work that we do while learning tools for building better relationships with our customers, co-workers, and volunteers.

All sessions will take place in-person at the Mid-Ohio Food Collective main campus: 3960 Brookham Dr. Grove City, OH. 43123.

  • April 25 Part 1. Understanding Ourselves
  • June 4 Part. 2 – Understanding Our World
  • September 12 Part. 3 – Understanding Our Team

Questions? Contact Ann Miller-Tobin at amillertobin@mofc.org

For more information on this 3-Part training and a link to sign up, please click here.

March 9, 2024

By Weekly Update

Weekly Update

Statistics

Households Served

  • 81 in Drive- Thru on Tuesday, March 5
  • 42 at Pop-Up Pantry on Wednesday, March 6
  • 69 in Drive-Thru on Thursday, March 7
  • 33 total new families this week
  • Families Served YTD: 1,707

Annual Report 2023

The revised and final copy of the annual report is now available online. Special thanks to Kevin Orsini and Dave Westman from our Heart to Heart Ministry Team for their attention to detail!

Volunteers Needed

Monday, March 11

  • 3:30 pm – 5 pm MOFB Order Unloading (3)

Tuesday, March 12

  • 8:30 am- 10:30 am Drive-Thru (6)
  • 10:00 am- 12:30 pm Drive-Thru (6)

Wednesday, March 13

  • 1:00 pm- 2:00 pm MOFB Shop-Thru (1)

Thursday, March 14

  • 7:30 am – 9:00 am MOFB Shop-Thru (1)
  • 8:30 am- 10:30 am Drive Thru (4)
  • 10:00 am- 12:30 pm Drive-Thru (3)

Friday, March 15

  • 9:00 am- 10:00 am Direct Retail Pickup (1)
Sign up to Volunteer

News

Happy Anniversary!

Amanda Brofford

Amanda Brofford has worked for First Community for one year! She came on staff as a part-time Administrative Assistant on March 13, 2023. Amanda is a wonderful addition and integral part of the team. Next time you see Amanda, please convey your well wishes and gratitude! Click to learn more about her!

Calling All Gardeners!

New or Experienced

The Share & Learn Garden at First Community North is seeking volunteers for the upcoming growing season. This group of gardeners manages several raised beds that grow fresh produce for the food pantry. This is a great opportunity for those who want to contribute to the success of Heart to Heart in a unique way! Master Gardeners Cheryl and Loren Van Deusen will teach you everything you need to know, no experience required. If you want to learn more about the opportunity, the group’s first meeting is coming up soon.

Social Media

Here’s what you may have missed this week! To see regular updates, follow us on

Monday’s Order

Click below to enlarge image.

Feminine Hygiene Drive

We call on you to contribute to our effort to provide these products to our clients. Please bring donations to any worship service on Sunday, March 17. At FC North, you will find the Heart to Heart van in the parking lot, ready to take your donations. At FC South, you will see a volunteer waiting outside the Crane center!

As a reminder, these donation drives are set up during worship monthly to highlight a particular need at the food pantry. Heart to Heart can use feminine hygiene products and other items throughout the year! We still need things like soup, jelly, and oatmeal, even when that’s not the month’s theme. More info at h2h.FCchurch.com/donate

Read more about this topic in the March issue of On a Mission! newsletter.

Annual UAHS PTO Shred Day & Food Drive

Jumpstart your Spring Cleaning April 6 from 10 am to 1 pm at Jones Middle School. We will be on site collected non-perishable food items and cash donations. For an additional donation to the PTO, you can bring up to 3 boxes of paper ($5 each) to be confidentially shredded.

Volunteer Training Opportunities

Mid-Ohio Food Collective Trainings

The Mid-Ohio Food Collective offers regular training opportunities for food pantry staff and volunteers. Trainings on FreshTrak and Food Safety will help you learn more about pantry operations and make you an even more effective volunteer! They also occasionally offer training on advocacy, and other topics that may be of interest to you.

For most trainings, volunteers will need to register with an agency name and number: Heart to Heart Agency #1042

Register Online at MOFC Agency360

Advocacy 101

Join the Conversation

MOFC’s Government Relations Team- Tim White and Hallie Carrino-Lee will host an open forum to discuss the State Budget and its effects on essential programs and benefits for your customers.

Explore ways to push back and advocate against the continued assault on SNAP and othe Hinger/Feeding issues and what’s happening on Capitol Hill.

Bring your questions and prepare to engage! Registration is required. This session of Advocacy will be held via ZOOM.

  • Thu, Jun 13 at 10 am

FreshTrak Basic Training

(FKA PantryTrak)

This online via zoom workshop will provide the fundamentals to get started with FreshTrak at your agency. Participants with learn how to administer the intake process using FreshTrak and will be guided on best practices for developing an efficient process in registering your clients. For agencies already using FreshTrak, this workshop will be helpful as a refresher of the basics.

Questions? Contact Ann Miller-Tobin at amillertobin@mofc.org

The following dates and times are available:

  • Thu, Mar 14 at 10 am
  • Tue, Apr 2 at 10 am

MOFC Food Safety Training

Level 1 Person In Charge

This training was developed by Feeding America and ServSafe for those who partner with foodbanks and is relevant to the work you are doing in your communities.

The course is online, at no-cost to your agency and once taken and successfully passed, the certification never expires for the person who takes the training!

Questions? Contact Ann Miller-Tobin at amillertobin@mofc.org

The following dates and times are available:

  • Mon, Apr 29, 10 am – 12:30 pm

3-Part Learning Journey

Facilitator Daniel Juday, will explore inclusion, culture, barriers and obstacles in the work that we do while learning tools for building better relationships with our customers, co-workers, and volunteers.

All sessions will take place in-person at the Mid-Ohio Food Collective main campus: 3960 Brookham Dr. Grove City, OH. 43123.

  • April 25 Part 1. Understanding Ourselves
  • June 4 Part. 2 – Understanding Our World
  • September 12 Part. 3 – Understanding Our Team

Questions? Contact Ann Miller-Tobin at amillertobin@mofc.org

For more information on this 3-Part training and a link to sign up, please click here.

March 1, 2024

By Weekly Update

Weekly Update

Statistics

Households Served

  • 59 in Drive- Thru on Tuesday, February 26
  • 36 at Pop-Up Pantry on Wednesday, February 27
  • 47 in Drive-Thru on Thursday, February 28
  • 20 total new families this week
  • Families Served YTD: 1,515

Please note: We are revising the 2023 Annual Report. It will be reposted soon. Apologies for the error.

Volunteer of the Month

Billie Sarich Read more>>

Volunteers Needed

Monday, March 4

  • 8:30 am- 9:30 am Cold Stocking (2)

Tuesday, March 5

  • 8:30 am- 10:30 am Drive-Thru (8)
  • 10:00 am- 12:30 pm Drive-Thru (6)

Wednesday, March 6

  • 1:00 pm- 2:00 pm MOFB Shop-Thru (1)

Thursday, March 7

  • 8:30 am- 10:30 am Drive Thru (7)
  • 10:00 am- 12:30 pm Drive-Thru (1)

Friday, March 8

  • 9:00 am- 10:00 am Direct Retail Pickup (1)
  • 9:30 am- 10:30 am Cold Stocking Shift (2)
Sign up to Volunteer

News

Happy Anniversary!

Yohan Kim

As of March 1, Yohan Kim has worked at First Community for 3 years. He came on staff as a part-time Volunteer Coordinator and was quickly promoted to full-time Food Pantry Manager. We are lucky to have him leading such a wide-reaching ministry. Next time you see Yohan, please convey your well wishes and gratitude! Click to learn more about him from his recently posted bio.

Calling All Gardeners!

New or Experienced

The Share & Learn Garden at First Community North is seeking volunteers for the upcoming growing season. This group of gardeners manages several raised beds that grow fresh produce for the food pantry. This is a great opportunity for those who want to contribute to the success of Heart to Heart in a unique way! Master Gardeners Cheryl and Loren Van Deusen will teach you everything you need to know, no experience required. If you want to learn more about the opportunity, the group’s first meeting is coming up soon.

Social Media

Here’s what you may have missed this week! To see regular updates, follow us on

Pop-Up Pantry March Calendar

Click below to enlarge image or visit h2h.FCchurch.com/pup for more info.

PUPdate February 2024

In February, the Pop Up Pantry, delivered to the following sites:

  • February 7:          Commons at Livingston – 43
  • February 14:        Hope Resource Center – 42
  • February 21:        Southpoint – 44
  • February 22:        Riverview – 40
  • February 28:        Grant – 36

Pop Up 2024 Monthly totals: 

  • January:     238
  • February:   205

YTD:  Individuals/families served:  443

Read the whole update at h2h.FCchurch.com/PUP022024

Feminine Hygiene Drive

We call on you to contribute to our effort to provide these products to our clients. Please bring donations to any worship service on Sunday, March 17. At FC North, you will find the Heart to Heart van in the parking lot, ready to take your donations. Look for the volunteer outside each location before worship.

As a reminder, these donation drives are set up during worship monthly to highlight a particular need at the food pantry. Heart to Heart can use feminine hygiene products and other items throughout the year! We still need things like soup, jelly, and oatmeal, even when that’s not the month’s theme. More info at h2h.FCchurch.com/donate

Read more about this topic in the March issue of On a Mission! newsletter.

Annual UAHS PTO Shred Day & Food Drive

Jumpstart your Spring Cleaning April 6 from 10 am to 1 pm at Jones Middle School. We will be on site collected non-perishable food items and cash donations. For an additional donation to the PTO, you can bring up to 3 boxes of paper ($5 each) to be confidentially shredded.

Volunteer Training Opportunities

Mid-Ohio Food Collective Trainings

The Mid-Ohio Food Collective offers regular training opportunities for food pantry staff and volunteers. Trainings on FreshTrak and Food Safety will help you learn more about pantry operations and make you an even more effective volunteer! They also occasionally offer training on advocacy, and other topics that may be of interest to you.

For most trainings, volunteers will need to register with an agency name and number: Heart to Heart Agency #1042

Register Online at MOFC Agency360

Advocacy 101

Join the Conversation

MOFC’s Government Relations Team- Tim White and Hallie Carrino-Lee will host an open forum to discuss the State Budget and its effects on essential programs and benefits for your customers.

Explore ways to push back and advocate against the continued assault on SNAP and othe Hinger/Feeding issues and what’s happening on Capitol Hill.

Bring your questions and prepare to engage! Registration is required. This session of Advocacy will be held via ZOOM.

  • Thu, Jun 13 at 10 am

FreshTrak Basic Training

(FKA PantryTrak)

This online via zoom workshop will provide the fundamentals to get started with FreshTrak at your agency. Participants with learn how to administer the intake process using FreshTrak and will be guided on best practices for developing an efficient process in registering your clients. For agencies already using FreshTrak, this workshop will be helpful as a refresher of the basics.

Questions? Contact Ann Miller-Tobin at amillertobin@mofc.org

The following dates and times are available:

  • Thu, Mar 14 at 10 am
  • Tue, Apr 2 at 10 am

MOFC Food Safety Training

Level 1 Person In Charge

This training was developed by Feeding America and ServSafe for those who partner with foodbanks and is relevant to the work you are doing in your communities.

The course is online, at no-cost to your agency and once taken and successfully passed, the certification never expires for the person who takes the training!

Questions? Contact Ann Miller-Tobin at amillertobin@mofc.org

The following dates and times are available:

  • Mon, Apr 29, 10 am – 12:30 pm

3-Part Learning Journey

Facilitator Daniel Juday, will explore inclusion, culture, barriers and obstacles in the work that we do while learning tools for building better relationships with our customers, co-workers, and volunteers.

All sessions will take place in-person at the Mid-Ohio Food Collective main campus: 3960 Brookham Dr. Grove City, OH. 43123.

  • April 25 Part 1. Understanding Ourselves
  • June 4 Part. 2 – Understanding Our World
  • September 12 Part. 3 – Understanding Our Team

Questions? Contact Ann Miller-Tobin at amillertobin@mofc.org

For more information on this 3-Part training and a link to sign up, please click here.

February 24, 2024

By Weekly Update

Weekly Update

Statistics

Households Served

  • 58 in Drive- Thru on Tuesday, February 20
  • 44 at Pop-Up Pantry on Wednesday, February 21
  • 49 in Drive-Thru on Thursday, February 22
  • 29 total new families this week

Please note: There were corrections made to last week’s stats in the blog.

2023 Annual Report

Heart to Heart’s annual report is now available online. Hard copies will also be placed at First Community North and South. Click the image for a PDF of the report.

Volunteers Needed

Monday, February 26

  • 8:30 am- 9:30 am Cold Stocking (1)
  • 3:30 pm- 5:00 pm MOFB Order Unloading (4)

Tuesday, February 27

  • 8:30 am- 10:30 am Drive-Thru (3)
  • 10:00 am- 12:30 pm Drive-Thru (6)

Wednesday, February 28

  • 1:00 pm- 2:00 pm MOFB Shop-Thru (1)

Thursday, February 29

  • 8:30 am- 10:30 am Drive Thru (5)
  • 10:00 am- 12:30 pm Drive-Thru (2)

Friday, March 1

  • 9:00 am- 10:00 am Direct Retail Pickup (1)
Sign up to Volunteer

News

Calling All Gardeners!

New or Experienced

The Share & Learn Garden at First Community North is seeking volunteers for the upcoming growing season. This group of gardeners manages several raised beds that grow fresh produce for the food pantry. This is a great opportunity for those who want to contribute to the success of Heart to Heart in a unique way! Master Gardeners Cheryl and Loren Van Deusen will teach you everything you need to know, no experience required. If you want to learn more about the opportunity, the group’s first meeting is coming up soon.

Social Media

Here’s what you may have missed this week! To see regular updates, follow us on

Volunteer Training Opportunities

Mid-Ohio Food Collective Trainings

The Mid-Ohio Food Collective offers regular training opportunities for food pantry staff and volunteers. Trainings on FreshTrak and Food Safety will help you learn more about pantry operations and make you an even more effective volunteer! They also occasionally offer training on advocacy, and other topics that may be of interest to you.

For most trainings, volunteers will need to register with an agency name and number: Heart to Heart Agency #1042

Register Online at MOFC Agency360

Advocacy 101

Join the Conversation

MOFC’s Government Relations Team- Tim White and Hallie Carrino-Lee will host an open forum to discuss the State Budget and its effects on essential programs and benefits for your customers.

Explore ways to push back and advocate against the continued assault on SNAP and othe Hinger/Feeding issues and what’s happening on Capitol Hill.

Bring your questions and prepare to engage! Registration is required. This session of Advocacy will be held via ZOOM.

  • Thu, Jun 13 at 10 am

FreshTrak Basic Training

(FKA PantryTrak)

This online via zoom workshop will provide the fundamentals to get started with FreshTrak at your agency. Participants with learn how to administer the intake process using FreshTrak and will be guided on best practices for developing an efficient process in registering your clients. For agencies already using FreshTrak, this workshop will be helpful as a refresher of the basics.

Questions? Contact Ann Miller-Tobin at amillertobin@mofc.org

The following dates and times are available:

  • Thu, Mar 14 at 10 am
  • Tue, Apr 2 at 10 am

MOFC Food Safety Training

Level 1 Person In Charge

This training was developed by Feeding America and ServSafe for those who partner with foodbanks and is relevant to the work you are doing in your communities.

The course is online, at no-cost to your agency and once taken and successfully passed, the certification never expires for the person who takes the training!

Questions? Contact Ann Miller-Tobin at amillertobin@mofc.org

The following dates and times are available:

  • Mon, Apr 29, 10 am – 12:30 pm

3-Part Learning Journey

Facilitator Daniel Juday, will explore inclusion, culture, barriers and obstacles in the work that we do while learning tools for building better relationships with our customers, co-workers, and volunteers.

All sessions will take place in-person at the Mid-Ohio Food Collective main campus: 3960 Brookham Dr. Grove City, OH. 43123.

  • April 25 Part 1. Understanding Ourselves
  • June 4 Part. 2 – Understanding Our World
  • September 12 Part. 3 – Understanding Our Team

Questions? Contact Ann Miller-Tobin at amillertobin@mofc.org

For more information on this 3-Part training and a link to sign up, please click here.

February 17, 2024

By Weekly Update

Weekly Update

Statistics

Households Served

  • 78 in Drive- Thru on Tuesday, February 13
  • 42 at Pop-Up Pantry on Wednesday, February 14
  • 57 in Drive-Thru on Thursday, February 15
  • 45 total new families this week

Corrected 02/22/2024

Holiday Closing

Mark your calendar! We will be closed on Monday, February 19 in observance of President’s Day. Click the image below for a complete list of 2024 closings.

Volunteers Needed

Monday, February 19

Closed for President’s Day!

Tuesday, February 20

  • 8:30 am- 10:30 am Drive-Thru (4)
  • 10:00 am- 12:30 pm Drive-Thru (6)

Wednesday, February 21

  • 1:00 pm- 2:00 pm MOFB Shop-Thru (1)

Thursday, February 22

  • 8:30 am- 10:30 am Drive Thru (5)
  • 10:00 am- 12:30 pm Drive-Thru (1)

Monday, February 26

Next Truck Delivery!

Sign up to Volunteer

News

SOUPerbowl Results

Thank you to all who donated this past Sunday to our Soup Drive during worship services. Thanks to your generosity we collected 412 pounds and $185 in donations.

  • Leading in soup donations: FC North with 289 pounds and $45 donated
  • Leading in financial contributions: FC South with $140 and 123 pounds donated

Kansas City may have won the big game, but we feel like the real winners at Heart to Heart!

Kroger Community Rewards

Through the Community Rewards program, Kroger makes a contribution to Heart to Heart every time you shop.

In the quarter beginning November 1, 2023 and ending January 31, 2024 we earned $910.99 from the 257 participating households.

Enroll your Kroger customer loyalty card in the program today. Visit kroger.com/i/community/community-rewards and choose Organization #TB926 (First Community Church).

You can also login to your account to see how much your participation earned for us last quarter!

Colin Gawel

January 12’s Cheap Trick for Charity event at Woodlands Tavern raised $850.00 for Heart to Heart. We are grateful for Colin (and the rest of the Cheap Trick cover band) for continued support of our ministry. As highlighted at the Volunteer Appreciation and Awards dinner, Colin held 3 events for our benefit in 2023 alone.

  • Jan 9-16, 2023 Food Drive at Colin’s Coffee
  • Jan 14, 2023 Cheap Trick for Charity
  • Nov 28, 2023 Cheap Trick for Charity

Colin is the owner of Colin’s Coffee, which recently moved into a shared space with the Daily Growler on Fishinger Rd. We encourage you to stop in, grab a coffee, and show him your appreciation for his support.

Heart of Gold Award

At last week’s Volunteer Appreciation and Award Dinner, we honored many of outstanding volunteers. One volunteer was especially singled out for her dedication to our ministry!

Rose Kandel is the recipient of our first ever Heart of Gold award.

This award will be presented annually to the volunteer with the most recorded service hours at Heart to Heart. Rose had a total of 399.33 hours, and that is just what was recorded! She also spent many hours off site in her role as one of the Pop-Up Pantry’s volunteer leaders, meticulously organizing information and remaining in constant communication with the staff. If you see Rose, please thank her for her service.

Rose Kandel

Social Media

Here’s what you may have missed this week! To see regular updates, follow us on

Donations

Volunteer Training Opportunities

Mid-Ohio Food Collective Trainings

The Mid-Ohio Food Collective offers regular training opportunities for food pantry staff and volunteers. Trainings on FreshTrak and Food Safety will help you learn more about pantry operations and make you an even more effective volunteer! They also occasionally offer training on advocacy, and other topics that may be of interest to you.

For most trainings, volunteers will need to register with an agency name and number: Heart to Heart Agency #1042

Register Online at MOFC Agency360

Advocacy 101

Join the Conversation

MOFC’s Government Relations Team- Tim White and Hallie Carrino-Lee will host an open forum to discuss the State Budget and its effects on essential programs and benefits for your customers.

Explore ways to push back and advocate against the continued assault on SNAP and othe Hinger/Feeding issues and what’s happening on Capitol Hill.

Bring your questions and prepare to engage! Registration is required. This session of Advocacy will be held via ZOOM.

  • Thu, Feb 22 at 10 am
  • Thu, Jun 13 at 10 am

FreshTrak Basic Training

(FKA PantryTrak)

This online via zoom workshop will provide the fundamentals to get started with FreshTrak at your agency. Participants with learn how to administer the intake process using FreshTrak and will be guided on best practices for developing an efficient process in registering your clients. For agencies already using FreshTrak, this workshop will be helpful as a refresher of the basics.

Questions? Contact Ann Miller-Tobin at amillertobin@mofc.org

The following dates and times are available:

  • Tue, Feb 20 at 2 pm
  • Thu, Mar 14 at 10 am
  • Tue, Apr 2 at 10 am

MOFC Food Safety Training

Level 1 Person In Charge

This training was developed by Feeding America and ServSafe for those who partner with foodbanks and is relevant to the work you are doing in your communities.

The course is online, at no-cost to your agency and once taken and successfully passed, the certification never expires for the person who takes the training!

Questions? Contact Ann Miller-Tobin at amillertobin@mofc.org

The following dates and times are available:

  • Mon, Apr 29, 10 am – 12:30 pm

3-Part Learning Journey

Facilitator Daniel Juday, will explore inclusion, culture, barriers and obstacles in the work that we do while learning tools for building better relationships with our customers, co-workers, and volunteers.

All sessions will take place in-person at the Mid-Ohio Food Collective main campus: 3960 Brookham Dr. Grove City, OH. 43123.

  • April 25 Part 1. Understanding Ourselves
  • June 4 Part. 2 – Understanding Our World
  • September 12 Part. 3 – Understanding Our Team

Questions? Contact Ann Miller-Tobin at amillertobin@mofc.org

For more information on this 3-Part training and a link to sign up, please click here.

February 10, 2024

By Weekly Update

Weekly Update

Statistics

Drive-Thru Households Served

  • 66 on Tuesday, February 6
  • 66 on Thursday, February 8

Pop-Up Households Served

  • 43 on Wednesday, February 7

Monday’s Order

Our next order from Mid-Ohio Foodbank is due Monday, February 12. We are expecting over 8,800 pounds to be delivered. If you can volunteer to help unload and stock, please sign up online.

Click the image below to enlarge.

Volunteers Needed

Monday, February 12

  • 8:30 am-9:30 am Cold Stocking (2)
  • 3:30 pm- 5:00 pm MOFB Order Unload (3)

Tuesday, February 13

  • 8:30 am- 10:30 am Drive-Thru (3)
  • 10:00 am- 12:30 pm Drive-Thru (6)

Wednesday, February 14

  • 1:00 pm- 2:00 pm MOFB Shop-Thru (1)

Thursday, February 15

  • 8:30 am- 10:30 am Drive Thru (4)
  • 10:00 am- 12:30 pm Drive-Thru (1)

Friday, February 16

  • 9:30 am- 10:30 am Cold Stocking Shift (2)
  • 11:00 am- 12:30 pm Shop & Stock (5)
Sign up to Volunteer

News

Social Media This Week

Here’s what you may have missed this week! To see regular updates, follow us on

SOUPerbowl Sunday February 11

Heart to Heart is holding a soup drive during all worship services Sunday! Look for the volunteer quarterbacks at collection sites outside at both locations to drop off your donations of shelf-stable soup. We especially appreciate donations of hearty soups that serve as a whole meal, such as: beef vegetable, chicken and rice, Italian wedding, etc. For a $5 donation (cash or check), you can become the proud owner of a one-of-a-kind soup bowl or mug decorated by students at First Community Church in the Midweek Mission (K-8) and Crossroads (8-12) programs.

Holiday Closing

Mark your calendar! We will be closed on Monday, February 19 in observance of President’s Day. Click the image below for a complete list of 2024 closings.

Volunteer Appreciation & Award Dinner

Thank you to everyone who joined us Tuesday evening. We were so happy to celebrate with you! Thank you to Steven’s Catering for donating a fantastic meal. Click the button below for a PDF of our slideshow presentation. We have added some of the spoken commentary to the slides, but we can’t possibly capture the fun vibes of the night.

Volunteer of the Month

Congratulations to Nora Ginnan, February’s Volunteer of the Month. Click here to read more.

Welcome OSU Students

Please welcome the new class of OSU Semester of Service students: Audrey Odier, Emily Wang, and Grace Bates.

Monthly Statistics

PUPdate January 2024

Volunteer Training Opportunities

Mid-Ohio Food Collective Trainings

The Mid-Ohio Food Collective offers regular training opportunities for food pantry staff and volunteers. Trainings on FreshTrak and Food Safety will help you learn more about pantry operations and make you an even more effective volunteer! They also occasionally offer training on advocacy, and other topics that may be of interest to you.

For most trainings, volunteers will need to register with an agency name and number: Heart to Heart Agency #1042

Register Online at MOFC Agency360

Advocacy 101

Join the Conversation

MOFC’s Government Relations Team- Tim White and Hallie Carrino-Lee will host an open forum to discuss the State Budget and its effects on essential programs and benefits for your customers.

Explore ways to push back and advocate against the continued assault on SNAP and othe Hinger/Feeding issues and what’s happening on Capitol Hill.

Bring your questions and prepare to engage! Registration is required. This session of Advocacy will be held via ZOOM.

 

  • Thu, Feb 22 at 10 am

FreshTrak Basic Training

(FKA PantryTrak)

This online via zoom workshop will provide the fundamentals to get started with FreshTrak at your agency. Participants with learn how to administer the intake process using FreshTrak and will be guided on best practices for developing an efficient process in registering your clients. For agencies already using FreshTrak, this workshop will be helpful as a refresher of the basics.

Questions? Contact Ann Miller-Tobin at amillertobin@mofc.org

The following dates and times are available:

  • Tue, Feb 20 at 2 pm
  • Thu, Mar 14 at 10 am

February 2, 2024

By Weekly Update

Weekly Update

Statistics

Drive-Thru Households Served

  • 54 on Tuesday, January 30
  • 69 on Thursday, February 1

Pop-Up Households Served

  • 40 on Wednesday, January 31

Volunteers Needed

Monday, February 5

  • 8:30 am-9:30 am Cold Stocking (2)

Tuesday, February 6

  • 8:30 am- 10:30 am Drive-Thru (6)
  • 10:00 am- 12:30 pm Drive-Thru (7)

Wednesday, February 7

  • 1:00 pm- 2:00 pm MOFB Shop-Thru (1)

Thursday, February 8

  • 8:30 am- 10:30 am Drive Thru (5)
  • 10:00 am- 12:30 pm Drive-Thru (2)

Friday, February 9

  • 9:30 am- 10:30 am Cold Stocking Shift (2)
Sign up to Volunteer

News

Social Media This Week

Here’s what you may have missed this week! To see regular updates, follow us on

SOUPerbowl Sunday February 11

Heart to Heart is holding a soup drive during all worship services Sunday! Look for the volunteer quarterbacks at collection sites outside at both locations to drop off your donations of shelf-stable soup. We especially appreciate donations of hearty soups that serve as a whole meal, such as: beef vegetable, chicken and rice, Italian wedding, etc. For a $5 donation (cash or check), you can become the proud owner of a one-of-a-kind soup bowl or mug decorated by students at First Community Church in the Midweek Mission (K-8) and Crossroads (8-12) programs.

Volunteer Training Opportunities

Mid-Ohio Food Collective Trainings

The Mid-Ohio Food Collective offers regular training opportunities for food pantry staff and volunteers. Trainings on FreshTrak and Food Safety will help you learn more about pantry operations and make you an even more effective volunteer! They also occasionally offer training on advocacy, and other topics that may be of interest to you.

For most trainings, volunteers will need to register with an agency name and number: Heart to Heart Agency #1042

Register Online at MOFC Agency360

MOFC Food Safety Training

Level 1 Person In Charge

This training was developed by Feeding America and ServSafe for those who partner with foodbanks and is relevant to the work you are doing in your communities.

The course is online, at no-cost to your agency and once taken and successfully passed, the certification never expires for the person who takes the training!

Questions? Contact Ann Miller-Tobin at amillertobin@mofc.org

The following dates and times are available:

  • Mon, Feb 5, 10 am to 12 pm

Advocacy 101

Join the Conversation

MOFC’s Government Relations Team- Tim White and Hallie Carrino-Lee will host an open forum to discuss the State Budget and its effects on essential programs and benefits for your customers.

Explore ways to push back and advocate against the continued assault on SNAP and othe Hinger/Feeding issues and what’s happening on Capitol Hill.

Bring your questions and prepare to engage! Registration is required. This session of Advocacy will be held via ZOOM.

 

  • Thu, Feb 22 at 10 am

FreshTrak Basic Training

(FKA PantryTrak)

This online via zoom workshop will provide the fundamentals to get started with FreshTrak at your agency. Participants with learn how to administer the intake process using FreshTrak and will be guided on best practices for developing an efficient process in registering your clients. For agencies already using FreshTrak, this workshop will be helpful as a refresher of the basics.

Questions? Contact Ann Miller-Tobin at amillertobin@mofc.org

The following dates and times are available:

  • Tue, Feb 20 at 2 pm
  • Thu, Mar 21 at 10 am

January 27, 2024

By Weekly Update

Weekly Update

Statistics

Drive-Thru Households Served

  • 62 on Tuesday, January 23
  • 59 on Thursday, January 25

Pop-Up Households Served

  • 36 on Wednesday, January 24

December 2023 Stats

  • Households Served   583
  • Families Served by Drive-Thru Pantry 385
  • Families Served by Pop-Up Pantry  198
  • Individuals Served      2,005
    • Seniors Served 252
    • Adults Served  1,021
    • Children Served   732
  • Meals Served   18,045

Click here to read more. Year-end reports will be available soon!

Volunteers Needed

Monday, January 29

  • 8:30 am-9:30 am Cold Stocking (2)

Tuesday, January 30

  • 8:30 am- 10:30 am Drive-Thru (5)
  • 10:00 am- 12:30 pm Drive-Thru (6)

Wednesday, January 31

  • 1:00 pm- 2:00 pm MOFB Shop-Thru (1)

Thursday, February 1

  • 7:30 am- 9:00 am MOFB Shop-Thru (1)
  • 8:30 am- 10:30 am Drive Thru (6)
  • 10:00 am- 12:30 pm Drive-Thru (5)

Friday, February 2

  • 9:00 am- 10:00 am Direct Retail Pickups (2)
  • 9:30 am- 10:30 am Cold Stocking Shift (1)
Sign up to Volunteer

News

It’s NOT too late to RSVP!

All Heart to Heart volunteers past and present are invited to attend the Volunteer Appreciation and Awards Dinner.

Awards will be presented to outstanding volunteers, and we will hear short remarks from the staff.

This is an opportunity for fellowship among all our volunteers. The event is not formal!

Click here to RSVP

SOUPerbowl Sunday February 11

Heart to Heart is holding a soup drive during all worship services Sunday! Look for the volunteer quarterbacks at collection sites outside at both locations to drop off your donations of shelf-stable soup. We especially appreciate donations of hearty soups that serve as a whole meal, such as: beef vegetable, chicken and rice, Italian wedding, etc. For a $5 donation (cash or check), you can become the proud owner of a one-of-a-kind soup bowl or mug decorated by students at First Community Church in the Midweek Mission (K-8) and Crossroads (8-12) programs.

Social Media This Week

Here’s what you may have missed this week! To see regular updates, follow us on

PUP Calendar

Click below to view the Pop-Up Pantry’s service calendar for February 2024.

2024 Holiday & Closings Calendar

A revised calendar has been uploaded. Our next closing is Monday, February 19 for President’s Day. Click the image below to enlarge.

Volunteer Training Opportunities

Mid-Ohio Food Collective Trainings

The Mid-Ohio Food Collective offers regular training opportunities for food pantry staff and volunteers. Trainings on FreshTrak and Food Safety will help you learn more about pantry operations and make you an even more effective volunteer! They also occasionally offer training on advocacy, and other topics that may be of interest to you.

For most trainings, volunteers will need to register with an agency name and number: Heart to Heart Agency #1042

Register Online at MOFC Agency360

MOFC Food Safety Training

Level 1 Person In Charge

This training was developed by Feeding America and ServSafe for those who partner with foodbanks and is relevant to the work you are doing in your communities.

The course is online, at no-cost to your agency and once taken and successfully passed, the certification never expires for the person who takes the training!

Questions? Contact Ann Miller-Tobin at amillertobin@mofc.org

The following dates and times are available:

  • Mon, Feb 5, 10 am to 12 pm

Advocacy 101

Join the Conversation

MOFC’s Government Relations Team- Tim White and Hallie Carrino-Lee will host an open forum to discuss the State Budget and its effects on essential programs and benefits for your customers.

Explore ways to push back and advocate against the continued assault on SNAP and othe Hinger/Feeding issues and what’s happening on Capitol Hill.

Bring your questions and prepare to engage! Registration is required. This session of Advocacy will be held via ZOOM.

  • Thu, Feb 22 at 10 am

FreshTrak Basic Training

(FKA PantryTrak)

This online via zoom workshop will provide the fundamentals to get started with FreshTrak at your agency. Participants with learn how to administer the intake process using FreshTrak and will be guided on best practices for developing an efficient process in registering your clients. For agencies already using FreshTrak, this workshop will be helpful as a refresher of the basics.

Questions? Contact Ann Miller-Tobin at amillertobin@mofc.org

The following dates and times are available:

  • Tue, Feb 20 at 2 pm
  • Thu, Mar 21 at 10 am

New Year Reminders

Mission & Vision

The mission of Heart to Heart is to respond to God’s commandment to love one another.

The vision of Heart to Heart is to model God’s love by:

  • Cultivating a loving community
  • Honoring individual gifts
  • Feeding bodies and souls

…and seeing everyone as a child of God.

Volunteer Covenant

We agree to foster a welcoming culture of kindness and respect that upholds the worth and dignity of every person, striving to listen with empathy, and use teamwork to carry out the mission and vision of Heart to Heart.

Tips & Tricks

Heart to Heart staff have implemented guidelines, processes and measures to ensure the safety of our workers, proper use of equipment, and best functionality. It is imperative to our operations for volunteers to adhere to these guidelines. 

For instance, volunteers should avoid overloading shelves when stocking food. Each shelving unit can only hold a limited weight, distributed across the individual shelves. The weight limits differ by size and type of shelf. For guidance, please ask Yohan when stocking.

When items are misused causing damage, the pantry has to pay for the replacement. Every dollar spent on equipment is one dollar less that we are able to spend on food to feed our clients. Please keep this in mind when you are volunteering.

Special Skills

We understand not everyone can or wants to volunteer during our regular weekly shifts, but may still want to contribute to our overall success. Heart to Heart is on the lookout for a few volunteers with specialized skills to help with projects from time to time. Please let us know if you have a particular interest or are skilled in:

  • Woodworking, DIY, Building
  • Social Media
  • Community Advocacy
  • Elementary Education
  • One time assembly projects (eg. birthday bags)

While we may not have a related project in mind at the moment, these are some needs we have encountered over time and we would love to know who might be interested in helping with these things in the future. Have another skill or interest you think may be useful? Let us know!

Inclement Weather Plan

Winter is in full swing with extremely low temperatures and snowfall in the forecast. Now is the perfect time to review our inclement weather procedure.

Since Heart to Heart food pantry is an essential service for many, we will make every attempt to remain open during regular business hours if it is deemed safe to do so. Conversely, if we do not have appropriate volunteer staffing, we may have to close even when the offices remain open.

In the event we are closed, we will make note on our outgoing voicemail, on our Facebook and Instagram pages and on our webpage. Volunteers for the day will be notified by email as soon as a decision to close has been made. In other words: no news is good news!

We understand when volunteers don’t feel comfortable being outside or driving on roads in severe weather. Please let us know if you cannot make it to volunteer for your shift! If there are 24 hours or less before your shift, please email Yohan Kim to let us know.

January 20, 2024

By Weekly Update

Weekly Update

Statistics

Drive-Thru Households Served

  • 33 on Tuesday, January 16
  • 60 on Thursday, January 18

Pop-Up Households Served

  • 42 on Wednesday, January 17

Monday’s Truck

We have an order arriving from Mid-Ohio Food Collective on Monday afternoon. Click below for a preview of what we will be unloading!

Volunteers Needed

Monday, January 22

  • 3:30 pm-5:00 pm MOFB Order Unloading

Tuesday, January 23

  • 8:30 am- 10:30 am Drive-Thru (6)
  • 10:00 am- 12:30 pm Drive-Thru (7)

Wednesday, January 24

  • 1:00 pm- 2:00 pm MOFB Shop-Thru (1)

Thursday, January 25

  • 8:30 am- 10:30 am Drive Thru (4)
  • 10:00 am- 12:30 pm Drive-Thru (1)

Friday, January 26

  • 9:30 am- 10:30 am Cold Stocking Shift (1)
Sign up to Volunteer

News

Volunteer Appreciation and Awards Dinner

All Heart to Heart volunteers past and present are invited to attend this dinner. Heart to Heart staff members will show their appreciation to hardworking volunteers that make our ministry possible. Awards will be presented to outstanding volunteers, and we will hear short remarks from the staff. This is an opportunity for fellowship among all our volunteers. Please RSVP by January 26 so that we may plan the event accordingly.

Click here to RSVP

Heart to Heart Ministry Team

Our Heart to Heart Ministry Team met for the first time last week. We are excited for the plans ahead! We appreciate the work of last year’s team: Rose Kandel, Andrea Keil, Pat Porterfield, and Melody Smiley. This year’s team is made up of (as pictured below):

  • Andrea Keil
  • Kevin Orsini
  • Carolyn Barger
  • Dave Westman

Read more about the individuals that make up our team here.

Social Media This Week

Here’s what you may have missed this week! To see regular updates, follow us on

Hair Care Drive

Thank you to everyone that donated on Sunday, January 14. With your help, we collected 151 pounds (86 North, 65 South) and $20 in donations.

Our next monthly drive will be held on February 11. On SOUPerbowl Sunday, we will collected canned soups and sell one-of-a-kind soup bowls.

Volunteer Training Opportunities

Mid-Ohio Food Collective Trainings

The Mid-Ohio Food Collective offers regular training opportunities for food pantry staff and volunteers. Trainings on FreshTrak and Food Safety will help you learn more about pantry operations and make you an even more effective volunteer! They also occasionally offer training on advocacy, and other topics that may be of interest to you.

For most trainings, volunteers will need to register with an agency name and number: Heart to Heart Agency #1042

Register Online at MOFC Agency360

Advocacy 101

Join the Conversation

MOFC’s Government Relations Team- Tim White and Hallie Carrino-Lee will host an open forum to discuss the State Budget and its effects on essential programs and benefits for your customers.

Explore ways to push back and advocate against the continued assault on SNAP and othe Hinger/Feeding issues and what’s happening on Capitol Hill.

Bring your questions and prepare to engage! Registration is required. This session of Advocacy will be held via ZOOM.

  • Thu, Feb 22 at 10 am

MOFC Food Safety Training

Level 1 Person In Charge

This training was developed by Feeding America and ServSafe for those who partner with foodbanks and is relevant to the work you are doing in your communities.

The course is online, at no-cost to your agency and once taken and successfully passed, the certification never expires for the person who takes the training!

Questions? Contact Ann Miller-Tobin at amillertobin@mofc.org

The following dates and times are available:

  • Mon, Feb 5, 10 am to 12 pm

Healthcare Navigation

Embarking with MOFC

Join us for an enlightening information session on Get Covered Ohio, hosted by the Mid-Ohio Food Collective’s Healthcare Navigation Team.

With the combined efforts of eight local and regional organizations providing Navigator services, learn how MOFC is connecting Ohioans with free information and assistance on health insurance. This 90-minute session promises valuable insights into exploring, enrolling, and optimizing health coverage options in your communities. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to empower your customers, partners, and yourself – mark your calendar and be prepared to join us online, over Zoom!

Questions? Contact Nicole DeLozier at 614-230-9166 or ndelozier@mofc.org

  • Wed, Jan 24 at 9:30 am

FreshTrak Basic Training

(FKA PantryTrak)

This online via zoom workshop will provide the fundamentals to get started with FreshTrak at your agency. Participants with learn how to administer the intake process using FreshTrak and will be guided on best practices for developing an efficient process in registering your clients. For agencies already using FreshTrak, this workshop will be helpful as a refresher of the basics.

Questions? Contact Ann Miller-Tobin at amillertobin@mofc.org

The following dates and times are available:

  • Tue, Feb 20 at 2 pm
  • Thu, Mar 21 at 10 am

New Year Reminders

Mission & Vision

The mission of Heart to Heart is to respond to God’s commandment to love one another.

The vision of Heart to Heart is to model God’s love by:

  • Cultivating a loving community
  • Honoring individual gifts
  • Feeding bodies and souls

…and seeing everyone as a child of God.

Volunteer Covenant

We agree to foster a welcoming culture of kindness and respect that upholds the worth and dignity of every person, striving to listen with empathy, and use teamwork to carry out the mission and vision of Heart to Heart.

Tips & Tricks

Heart to Heart staff have implemented guidelines, processes and measures to ensure the safety of our workers, proper use of equipment, and best functionality. It is imperative to our operations for volunteers to adhere to these guidelines. 

For instance, volunteers should avoid overloading shelves when stocking food. Each shelving unit can only hold a limited weight, distributed across the individual shelves. The weight limits differ by size and type of shelf. For guidance, please ask Yohan when stocking.

When items are misused causing damage, the pantry has to pay for the replacement. Every dollar spent on equipment is one dollar less that we are able to spend on food to feed our clients. Please keep this in mind when you are volunteering.

Special Skills

We understand not everyone can or wants to volunteer during our regular weekly shifts, but may still want to contribute to our overall success. Heart to Heart is on the lookout for a few volunteers with specialized skills to help with projects from time to time. Please let us know if you have a particular interest or are skilled in:

  • Woodworking, DIY, Building
  • Social Media
  • Community Advocacy
  • Elementary Education
  • One time assembly projects (eg. birthday bags)

While we may not have a related project in mind at the moment, these are some needs we have encountered over time and we would love to know who might be interested in helping with these things in the future. Have another skill or interest you think may be useful? Let us know!

Inclement Weather Plan

Winter is in full swing with extremely low temperatures and snowfall in the forecast. Now is the perfect time to review our inclement weather procedure.

Since Heart to Heart food pantry is an essential service for many, we will make every attempt to remain open during regular business hours if it is deemed safe to do so. Conversely, if we do not have appropriate volunteer staffing, we may have to close even when the offices remain open.

In the event we are closed, we will make note on our outgoing voicemail, on our Facebook and Instagram pages and on our webpage. Volunteers for the day will be notified by email as soon as a decision to close has been made. In other words: no news is good news!

We understand when volunteers don’t feel comfortable being outside or driving on roads in severe weather. Please let us know if you cannot make it to volunteer for your shift! If there are 24 hours or less before your shift, please email Yohan Kim to let us know.