For 50 years, the Dublin Food Pantry has worked to ensure that families in our community have access to food when they need it most. But food is more than fuel…it’s the foundation of long-term health, strong development, and community well-being.
When communities invest in access to nutritious food, they invest in better health for everyone. Through partnerships with OhioHealth, Dublin City Schools, and Mid-Ohio Food Collective, the Pantry is doing more than serving food — we’re helping build healthier bodies and stronger families across Dublin.
Food as Medicine
Recognizing that food access is closely tied to health outcomes, the Pantry has launched several “Food is Medicine” initiatives in collaboration with OhioHealth’s Dublin Family Medicine Residency program and Dublin City Schools. By integrating primary healthcare with reliable access to nutritious food, we can help improve overall health outcomes for the families we serve and reduce the risk of chronic illness in our community.
For Dr. Rebecca Grant, Associate Program Director for OhioHealth’s Dublin Family Medicine Residency program, the consequences of poor nutrition are not something to take lightly.
“As a certified obesity medicine physician, I see firsthand how essential nutrition is to long-term health,” Dr. Grant explains. “The disease of obesity increases the risk for chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, osteoarthritis, obstructive sleep apnea, and even certain cancers.”
For many of our neighbors experiencing food insecurity, the challenge isn’t just finding enough food; it’s finding nutritious food that supports health.
“When families face food insecurity,” she says, “it often reflects broader challenges — like limited access to healthcare or other basic needs — which can compound long-term health problems.”
That’s why partnerships between healthcare providers and organizations like the Dublin Food Pantry are becoming increasingly important.
It’s More Than Food…It’s A Better Quality of Life
Through the Mid-Ohio Farmacy Program, OhioHealth and the Dublin Food Pantry are working together to expand access to fresh, healthy food for families in our community.
When resident physicians identify patients who may be experiencing food insecurity, they can connect them directly with the Dublin Food Pantry. Families then receive a “Farmacy” membership card that allows them to access fresh produce and other nutritious foods at the Pantry.
And when children and families have consistent access to nutritious meals, the benefits extend beyond the dinner table.
Healthy food supports:
- Physical development
- Brain function and learning
- Disease prevention
- Emotional and mental well-being
“By providing healthy, fresh, and nutrient-dense foods, the Dublin Food Pantry is doing far more than addressing hunger,” Dr. Grant says. “It is actively supporting disease prevention, improving quality of life, and creating a foundation for long-term stability and well-being.”
It’s More Than Food, It’s Meeting Families Where They Are
While healthcare partnerships address long-term wellness, the Dublin Food Pantry also works directly within the community to reduce barriers to food access.
One of the most impactful ways this happens is through Dublin City Schools Pop-Up Pantries.
Launched in partnership with OhioHealth’s Dublin Family Medicine Residency program and the school district, these pop-up events bring food distribution closer to the neighborhoods where families live.
“Beginning in March 2025, our Residency Program partnered with the Dublin Food Pantry to address food insecurity among Dublin City Schools students,” Dr. Grant explains.
Residents and faculty volunteer alongside Pantry volunteers to distribute food at a partnering church, helping bring essential resources directly into the community.
These pop-up pantries are especially important during times when students may not have regular access to school meals — including spring break, winter break, and the summer months.
“These pop-ups allow us to meet families where they are,” she says. “Providing resources in a comfortable environment close to their neighborhood increases access and reduces barriers.”
The goal is simple but powerful: make it easier for families to get the support they need with dignity and without stigma.
More Than Food. More Than 50 Years.
For half a century, the Dublin Food Pantry has served neighbors across our community with compassion and care.
Today, through partnerships with healthcare providers, schools, and organizations across Central Ohio, the Pantry is expanding what food assistance can look like, connecting families not just to meals, but to better health and greater stability.
By prioritizing fresh, nutritious foods, the Dublin Food Pantry is helping families build a stronger foundation for the future.
“Food is an essential ingredient to better health, stronger families, and more resilient communities,” Dr. Grant shares. “When we invest in nutrition access, we are investing in the long-term well-being of the entire Dublin community.”
Because this work is about more than filling plates. It’s about building healthier bodies, stronger families, and a healthier community for the next 50 years.