Heart to Heart Happenings Weekly Blog

Statistics

Client Visits

• 61 in Drive-Thru on Tue, Mar 18
• 41 at Pop-Up Pantry on Wed, Mar 19
• 50 in Drive-Thru on Thu, Thu Mar 20
• 17 New Families this week
• 1716 YTD Visits

Click here to view all stats!

MOFC Order

Monday we anticipate about 6,000 pounds to be delivered. We still need a handful of volunteers to help unload the order. Click the image below to view the order.

Reminder

Friday, March 21 – Tuesday, April 1

On April 4, Mid-Ohio Foodbank is launching new software for use by partner agencies, including Heart to Heart! Next week, both systems will be down while their warehouse conducts inventory and does the work required to make the switch internally. All agencies, including Heart to Heart, will be unable to access their inventory, start any new orders, or make changes to existing orders during the shut down.

Shop-Thru is also unavailable until April 2, meaning we are unable to pickup perishable items like fresh produce. We are grateful to George Falkenbach and his friend, Mike, for making one final run to MOFB on Friday to stock up on as much as possible since we will be unable to replenish.

Read the notices straight from MOFC:

• New Software Announcement
• Shop-Thru Notice
• Expectation and Preparation Summary

@heart_to_heart_food_pantry

Statistics

Client Visits

• 26 in Drive-Thru on Tue, Mar 11
• 39 at Pop-Up Pantry on Wed, Mar 12
• 53 in Drive-Thru on Thu, Thu Mar 13
• 27 New Families this week
• 1,564 YTD Visits

Click here to view all stats!

This Sunday!

Please bring your donations of personal care items with you to worship on Sunday, March 16. The food pantry welcomes donations including toiletries, feminine hygiene, dental care products, etc. If you are attending services at North, please look for the donation station sign in the parking lot and drop off your donations before you come inside! If you’re attending services at South, please look for the donation cart at Crane welcome center, where you can drop off your donation with our volunteer.

In the News

This week brings news of sweeping policy changes and proposals that will affect many, including the clients at Heart to Heart food pantry. Mid-Ohio Food Collective emails a regular newsletter from their Foodbank Advocacy Network (FAN) to their partner agencies. Included in March 14’s monthly FAN Update newsletter:

“At Mid-Ohio Food Collective, our advocacy efforts are driven by the belief that everyone deserves access to nutritious food and the opportunity to thrive. Advocacy is more important than ever. Whether through contacting legislators, sharing your story, or staying informed, your voice makes a difference. Keep an eye on our website and advocacy alerts for ways to take action!”

Related news items:

• Ohio food banks brace for reduced aid with proposed $7.5 million budget cut.
• Ohio House Bill No 96 to increase minimum wage
  • MOFC submitted a supportive written testimony from February 27 Children and Human Services Committee Meeting
  • Read all response testimonies
• What New Bill Means for SNAP Benefits
• USDA cut more than $1 billion a year in food assistance programs to schools and foodbanks

Updates on the Farm Bill and related federal programs, plus advocacy information is available at:

• Feeding America
• Food Research and Action Center
• Ohio Association of Foodbanks

Sign up to receive the FAN update emails.

News from Mid-Ohio Food Collective!

Friday, March 21 – Tuesday, April 1

On April 4, Mid-Ohio Foodbank is launching new software for use by partner agencies, including Heart to Heart! While this change will lead to improved and more efficient service in the future, we will likely experience some hiccups during the transition coming soon.

For one week, both systems will be down while their warehouse conducts inventory and does the work required to make the switch internally. All agencies, including Heart to Heart, will be unable to access their inventory, start any new orders, or make changes to existing orders during the shut down. Also, we received this notice that Shop-Thru is unavailable beginning Monday March 24 and reopens Tuesday, April 1*

What to anticipate:

• MOFB has already started to limit the acquisition of new items in their warehouse. We may run out of things more quickly in the next few weeks, since we are unable to order replacements. You will notice this next week if you haven’t already.
• Our next few orders may be a bit unusual! We plan to order significantly more for the order on March 24 that will be used during this time period. However, we must still be mindful of our budget, volunteer workforce, and storage space.
• For six full days, we will be unable to pick up produce and fresh dairy items, among other items typically available in the drive-thru. While we will try to stock up on things like produce, we cannot store perishable items indefinitely, so we will just have less. When Shop-Thru reopens, demand will be extreme!
• If you are willing or planning to donate produce or fresh dairy items, please make arrangements with Yohan prior to delivery to ensure adequate preparation.
• Every one of MOFC’s partner agencies will be experiencing the same challenges. We aren’t being treated unfairly or missing opportunities. Our clients will probably face the same issues at different food pantries, while pantries with alternative resources (buying/obtaining food elsewhere) may be inundated.
• Our volunteer order coordinators (Mike and Mark) and the Heart to Heart staff (Yohan, Amy and Amanda) will take trainings on the new software over the next few weeks.

Most of us are lucky to be accustomed to plenty, and at Heart to Heart we usually have a sufficient quantity and/or variety of both shelf-stable and fresh items for our clients. But you can expect shortages for the next several weeks as MOFC transitions to new software. We have faith that the staff and volunteers will remain flexible an patient as we adapt. The good news is- everything is temporary!

Read the notices straight from MOFC:

• New Software Announcement
• Shop-Thru Notice
• Expectation and Preparation Summary

Please pay particular attention to Yohan’s emails, the SignUp Genius, and our social media during this time. He will communicate last minute opportunities or changes as soon as possible. 

Statistics

Client Visits

• 49 in Drive-Thru on Tue, Mar 04
• 40 at Pop-Up Pantry on Wed, Mar 05
• 68 in Drive-Thru on Thu, Thu Mar 06
• 24 New Families this week
• 1,446 YTD Visits

Click here to view all stats!

Monday’s MOFB Order

On Monday, we will receive over 6,000 pounds in our order from Mid-Ohio Food Collective. Click the image below to see what we can expect. We still need a few volunteers to help unload!

News from Mid-Ohio Food Collective!

Friday, March 21 – Tuesday, April 1

On April 4, Mid-Ohio Foodbank is launching new software for use by partner agencies, including Heart to Heart! While this change will lead to improved and more efficient service in the future, we will likely experience some hiccups during the transition coming soon.

For one week, both systems will be down while their warehouse conducts inventory and does the work required to make the switch internally. All agencies, including Heart to Heart, will be unable to access their inventory, start any new orders, or make changes to existing orders during the shut down. Also, we received this notice that Shop-Thru is unavailable beginning Monday March 24 and reopens Tuesday, April 1*

What to anticipate:

• MOFB has already started to limit the acquisition of new items in their warehouse. We may run out of things more quickly in the next few weeks, since we are unable to order replacements. You will notice this next week if you haven’t already.
• Our next few orders may be a bit unusual! We plan to order significantly more for the order on March 24 that will be used during this time period. However, we must still be mindful of our budget, volunteer workforce, and storage space.
• For six full days, we will be unable to pick up produce and fresh dairy items, among other items typically available in the drive-thru. While we will try to stock up on things like produce, we cannot store perishable items indefinitely, so we will just have less. When Shop-Thru reopens, demand will be extreme!
• If you are willing or planning to donate produce or fresh dairy items, please make arrangements with Yohan prior to delivery to ensure adequate preparation.
• Every one of MOFC’s partner agencies will be experiencing the same challenges. We aren’t being treated unfairly or missing opportunities. Our clients will probably face the same issues at different food pantries, while pantries with alternative resources (buying/obtaining food elsewhere) may be inundated.
• Our volunteer order coordinators (Mike and Mark) and the Heart to Heart staff (Yohan, Amy and Amanda) will take trainings on the new software over the next few weeks.

Most of us are lucky to be accustomed to plenty, and at Heart to Heart we usually have a sufficient quantity and/or variety of both shelf-stable and fresh items for our clients. But you can expect shortages for the next several weeks as MOFC transitions to new software. We have faith that the staff and volunteers will remain flexible an patient as we adapt. The good news is- everything is temporary!

Read the notices straight from MOFC:

• New Software Announcement
• Shop-Thru Notice
• Expectation and Preparation Summary

Please pay particular attention to Yohan’s emails, the SignUp Genius, and our social media during this time. He will communicate last minute opportunities or changes as soon as possible. 

@heart_to_heart_food_pantry

Statistics

Client Visits

• 65 in Drive-Thru on Tue, Feb 25
• 35 at Pop-Up Pantry on Wed, Feb 26
• 77 in Drive-Thru on Thu, Feb 27
• 20 New Families this week
• 1249 YTD Visits

Click here to view all stats!

February Recap

February has been a month full of events to celebrate this ministry. Read the recaps and see the photos by clicking the image below.

Thanks, Yohan!

SHHH… IT’S A SECRET… KIND OF

There is no food pantry without the effort of our amazing team of volunteers. Take this opportunity to thank Coach Kim, too! Everyone is invited to share a message of appreciation to Yohan Kim, Heart to Heart food pantry manager.

Yohan’s four-year “workaversary” is March 1, so we will present these as a gift for him in celebration next week. However, we will leave the station open for this activity through Friday, March 7, and add to it as the week goes on! If you cannot make it in before then, please send your very brief note for us to transcribe. (We are talking 1-2 sentences)

All the materials needed to participate are provided. Look for the sign pictured above for the Thank You station outside the Weist Room at FC South. You do not have to be a volunteer to participate.

Volunteer of the Month

Bill Hinga is the volunteer of the month! He says, “I always feel uplifted when I finish a shift with Heart to Heart and am so grateful to have just spent quality time with such wonderful people.” Read more>>

March 16 Hygiene Drive

Heart to Heart food pantry will hold a once-a-month donation collection during Sunday worship services to promote material contributions for those attending First Community for worship. If you are attending services at North, please look for the donation station sign in the parking lot and drop off your donations before you come inside! If you’re attending services at South, please look for the donation cart at Crane welcome center, where you can drop off your donation with our volunteer.

Please bring your donations of personal care items with you to worship on Sunday, March 16. The food pantry welcomes donations including toiletries, feminine hygiene, dental care products, etc. As we are able, we provide these items to clients both in the Drive-thru and Pop-Up Pantry, in addition to groceries. These items are necessary and often come with significant expense, but not covered by SNAP benefits. Your contribution allows us to provide an additional means of support to our Central Ohio neighbors, who are already struggling to make ends meet.

Statistics

Client Visits

• 34 in Drive-Thru on Tue, Feb 18
• 40 at Pop-Up Pantry on Wed, Feb 19
• 47 in Drive-Thru on Thu, Feb 20
• 12 New Families this week
• 1072 YTD Visits

Click here to view all stats!

MOFC Order

On Monday, we’ll receive our order from Mid-Ohio Foodbank for over 5,200 pounds! Click the image to enlarge for a look at what to expect.

Thanks, Yohan!

SHHH… IT’S A SECRET… KIND OF

There is no food pantry without the effort of our amazing team of volunteers. Take this opportunity to thank Coach Kim, too! Everyone is invited to share a message of appreciation to Yohan Kim, Heart to Heart food pantry manager. Stations for this activity will be available through the end of the week:

• Fri, Feb 21 through Mon, Feb 24
  FC North, outside Wing Grace Hall

• Tue, Feb 25 through Fri, Feb 28
  FC South, outside Weist Room

Yohan’s workaversary is March 1, so we will present these as a gift for him in celebration the following Monday! All the materials needed to participate are provided. Look for the signed pictured above for the Thank You station. You do not have to be a volunteer to participate.

2024 Annual Report

Click the image to view or pick up a hard copy at either church campus.

@hearttoheartpantry

Statistics

Client Visits

• 57 in Drive-Thru on Tue, Feb 11
• 40 at Pop-Up Pantry on Wed, Feb 12
• 68 in Drive-Thru on Thu, Feb 13
• 49 New Families this week
• 951 YTD Visits

Click here to view all stats!

Kroger Rewards

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

In the quarter beginning Nov 1 to Jan 31 we earned $833.64 from the 240 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!

February is Heart to Heart Month

Happy Birthday, Jill!

A full month of events shines the spotlight on Heart to Heart food pantry! In honor of our first director, Jill Thomas (below), we are celebrating all month long.

More information at h2h.FCchurch.com/february

February 14 – March 31

Today we launch our annual matching fundraiser. Donations made through March 31 will be doubled thanks to the generosity of Duke Thomas, in loving memory of his wife, Jill. The success of this fundraiser directly impacts our ability to serve the greater Columbus community. If you cannot make a monetary donation, I encourage you to volunteer for the food pantry!

Click the button to donate online or make checks payable to: First Community Church with “Heart to Heart” in the memo field. You can mail or drop off checks at First Community South, 1320 Cambridge Blvd. Columbus, OH 43212

February 16

Please join us for Heart to Heart Sunday on February 16. Rev. John Girard will be preaching the sermon in all three services:

• 9 am FC North, Wing Grace Hall
• 10 am, FC South, Sanctuary
• 11 am FC North, Sanctuary

We will collect a special offering in worship for Heart to Heart that will be doubled through the Generosity Match-a-thon!

After each service, join us just outside the worship space for a reception. Enjoy some cookies while you learn more about the ministry, meet the staff, and thank the volunteers for their work. Everyone attending worship can show their support by wearing red!

Even if you are not a First Community church member, or do not typically attend any worship services, we hope to see you there!

February 18

Darkness to Light teaches adults practical actions they can take to reduce instances of child and youth sexual abuse in their organizations, families, and communities. If you’ve already attended a training and are certified, THANK YOU! Your commitment to keeping children and youth safe is part of what makes First Community a leader in the community. If you’ve not yet been certified, you may:

• Click button to register for the free in-person training on February 18
• Click here to enroll in online training and certification for $16.

If you have questions or concerns about the training requirement, please contact Rev. John Girard.

February 20

You are invited to the 2025 Heart to Heart Volunteer Appreciation Dinner and Awards Ceremony!

Heart to Heart staff members will show their appreciation to hardworking volunteers that make our ministry possible. We will recognize the work of everyone that makes it happen, and you can get to know the rest of the team too! Awards will be presented to outstanding volunteers, and we will hear short remarks from the staff. All Heart to Heart food pantry volunteers past and present are invited to attend with an RSVP. We have extended the deadline and reopened the RSVP form. We cannot guarantee a t-shirt or dietary accommodation beyond this point, but we would still like you to join us for dinner if you are able.

@hearttoheartpantry

Statistics

Client Visits

• 75 in Drive-Thru on Tue, Feb 4
• 40 at Pop-Up Pantry on Wed, Feb 5
• 57 in Drive-Thru on Thu, Feb 6
• 14 New Families this week
• 510 YTD Visits

Click here to view all stats!

Monday’s Order

We expect over 8,000 pounds from our Mid-Ohio Foodbank order on Monday. We still need a few volunteers to help unload it. Click the image below to enlarge.

Volunteer of the Month

Congratulations Toni! Read more>>

February is Heart to Heart Month

A full month of events shines the spotlight on Heart to Heart food pantry! In honor of our first director, Jill Thomas (below), whose birthday was valentine’s day, we are celebrating all month long.

More information at h2h.FCchurch.com/february

February 9

Heart to Heart food pantry is holding a soup drive during all worship services. Look for the team’s volunteer quarterbacks at collection sites out in the parking lot at both locations to drop off your donations on your way in or out. We would love hearty meal-type soups, and our Pop-Up Pantry is particularly interested in soup in pop-top cans for those without kitchens and/or can openers to use. Also, for a $5 donation (cash or check), you can become the proud owner of a one-of-a-kind soup bowl or mug! These have been lovingly decorated by First Community Church’s Midweek Mission (K-8 grade) and Crossroads (6-12 grade) students for this special occasion. Which service will donate the most soup?! Heart to Heart wins, regardless of the final score.

February 14 – March 31

For the eleventh year running, we have received a grant of financial support from the Thomas family. Jill Thomas was the original Director of Heart to Heart almost 40 years ago. In 2015, she and her husband, Duke, began an annual matching grant up to $20,000. This year will be the eleventh  year Heart to Heart receives this generous match, with Duke now continuing the tradition in Jill’s memory.

Beginning February 14 through March 31, make a donation to Heart to Heart and it will be doubled through this matching grant up to $20,000.  The success of this fundraiser directly impacts our ability to serve the greater Columbus community. If you cannot make a monetary donation, I encourage you to volunteer for the food pantry!

February 16

Join us for worship services on Sunday, February 16 as we launch our Generosity Match-a-thon which extends through March 31.

During all worship services, Rev. John Girard, Minister of Mission and Justice, will deliver a sermon and a Special Offering will be collected, contributing toward the matching fundraiser.

After services, all are invited to join for a short reception outside the worship spaces. Meet Heart to Heart staff and volunteers, learn more about the mission of this ministry and the Match-a-thon! Cookies and coffee will be provided.

Please join us, even if you are not a First Community church member, or do not typically attend any worship services.

February 18

 Click the button below to register for the first no-cost in-person training of 2025. Further opportunities for in-person sessions will be made available as instructor availability allows

You do not have to be an existing Heart to Heart volunteer to take the training. If you are unable to do the free in-person training, you can take the training online for $16. Once your training is complete, forward your certificate of completion to us to be recorded.

If you have been affected by abuse and are emotionally unable to take the training, please reach out to Rev. John Girard . Your discussion will remain confidential.

February 20

You are invited to the 2025 Heart to Heart Volunteer Appreciation Dinner and Awards Ceremony!

All Heart to Heart food pantry 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.

@hearttoheartpantry

Statistics

Client Visits

• 75 in Drive-Thru on Tue, Jan 21
• 44 at Pop-Up Pantry on Wed, Jan 22
• 64 in Drive-Thru on Thu, Jan 23
• 45 New Families this week
• 636 YTD Visits

Click for complete list of monthly stats.

February is Heart to Heart Month

A full month of events shines the spotlight on Heart to Heart food pantry! In honor of our first director, Jill Thomas, whose birthday was valentine’s day, we are celebrating all month long. More information at h2h.FCchurch.com/february

February 9

Heart to Heart food pantry is holding a soup drive during all worship services. Look for the team’s volunteer quarterbacks at collection sites out in the parking lot at both locations to drop off your donations on your way in or out. We would love hearty meal-type soups, and our Pop-Up Pantry is particularly interested in soup in pop-top cans for those without kitchens and/or can openers to use. Also, for a $5 donation (cash or check), you can become the proud owner of a one-of-a-kind soup bowl or mug! These have been lovingly decorated by First Community Church’s Midweek Mission (K-8 grade) and Crossroads (6-12 grade) students for this special occasion. Which service will donate the most soup?! Heart to Heart wins, regardless of the final score.

February 14 – March 31

For the eleventh year running, we have received a grant of financial support from the Thomas family. Jill Thomas was the original Director of Heart to Heart almost 40 years ago. In 2015, she and her husband, Duke, began an annual matching grant up to $20,000. This year will be the eleventh  year Heart to Heart receives this generous match, with Duke now continuing the tradition in Jill’s memory.

Beginning February 14 through March 31, make a donation to Heart to Heart and it will be doubled through this matching grant up to $20,000.  The success of this fundraiser directly impacts our ability to serve the greater Columbus community. If you cannot make a monetary donation, I encourage you to volunteer for the food pantry!

February 16

Join us for worship services on Sunday, February 16 as we launch our Generosity Match-a-thon which extends through March 31. During all worship services, Rev. John Girard, Minister of Mission and Justice, will deliver a sermon and a Special Offering will be collected, contributing toward the matching fundraiser. We are asking Heart to Heart volunteers to wear their Heart to Heart t-shirts and other gear. After services, all are invited to join for a short reception outside the worship spaces. Meet Heart to Heart staff and volunteers, learn more about the mission of this ministry and the Match-a-thon! Cookies and coffee will be provided.

Please join us, even if you are not a First Community church member, or do not typically attend any worship services.

February 18

Several opportunities to take the training program will be offered in 2025. Click the button below to register for the first no-cost in-person training of 2025.

You do not have to be an existing Heart to Heart volunteer to take the training. Further opportunities for in-person sessions will be made available in 2025, as instructor availability allows. If you are unable to do the free in-person training, you can take the training online for $16. Once your training is complete, forward your certificate of completion to us to be recorded.

If you have been affected by abuse and are emotionally unable to take the training, please reach out to Rev. John Girard . Your discussion will remain confidential.

February 20

You are invited to the 2025 Heart to Heart Volunteer Appreciation Dinner and Awards Ceremony

All Heart to Heart food pantry 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.

@hearttoheartpantry

Statistics

Client Visits

• Closed Tue, Jan 21
• 29 at Pop-Up Pantry on Wed, Jan 22
• 66 in Drive-Thru on Thu, Jan 23
• 8 New Families this week
• 1,373 YTD Visits

Click for complete list of monthly stats.

Monday’s Order

Click image below to view the order we will receive from Mid-Ohio Foodbank.

2025 Calendars

Holiday Closings

Monthly Donations

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.

Volunteer Responsibilities

Help us do the prep work that breathes life into the Volunteer Covenant, fostering a welcoming culture both for our neighbors and all those who serve alongside us. Heart to Heart volunteer responsibilities include completion of: minor waivers (annual), Civil Rights Training (annual), and Darkness to Light sexual abuse prevention training (every 3 years), and it’s a good time to review the First Community Minor Code of Conduct (Code of Conduct Graphic).