Free Food in Lima, OH
Positioned in west-central Ohio, Lima is a hardworking community with strong civic engagement and a culture of mutual aid. People here look out for each other.
Still, everyone needs a hand sometimes. About 23% of Lima residents live below the poverty line and can struggle to put food on the table — that is where this network comes in. All 23 resources listed here are free to access, with no cost and no referral needed.
View Lima resources on the map · Poverty figure: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2018–2022 5-Year Estimates
What's available in Lima
- Food Pantry: 11
- Church-based Program: 4
- Food Bank: 3
- Community Fridge: 3
- Meal Program: 2
- College Food Pantry: 1
- Senior Program: 1
- WIC Office: 1
Resources in Lima
23 results
Allen County Backpack Program - Lima City Schools
1 Spartan Way
Food Pantry
Allen County Backpack Program - Shawnee Elementary
1715 E Kibby St
Food Pantry
Allen County WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
300 North Elizabeth Street
WIC Office
Area Agency on Aging 3 (AAA3) - Nutrition Programs
2423 Allentown Rd
Food BankSenior Program
Area Agency on Aging 3 (AAA3) - Nutrition Programs - Lima/Allen County
Contact AAA3 for specific meal site locations in Allen County
Community Fridge
Associated Churches of Allen County - Neighborhood Food Network
634 S Main St
Church-based Program
Auglaize County, Ohio Backpack Program
1380 E Kibby St
Meal Program
Blessing Box - Lima
2223 Shawnee Rd
Food Pantry
Christian Corner Community Center
300 North Elizabeth Street
Food Pantry
Churches United Pantry
129 S Pierce St
Church-based ProgramFood Pantry
Faith Christian Church - Spread the Love
2223 Shawnee Road
Church-based Program
Lima City Schools Summer Food Service Program
515 S Metcalf St
Meal Program
Mt. Calvary
400 S Scott St
Community Fridge
Ohio State University Lima Campus (Closest Resource)
4240 Campus Drive
Food Pantry
One Church
505 West Market Street
Food Pantry
Rhodes State College Food Pantry
4240 Campus Drive
College Food Pantry
SMC Resource Center
1110 North Metcalf Street
Food Pantry
SMC Resource Center
1110 N Metcalf
Community Fridge
Salvation Army Food Pantry and Afterschool Program
614 E Market St
Food Pantry
St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry
928 S Main St
Church-based ProgramFood Pantry
West Ohio Food Bank
300 North Elizabeth Street
Food Bank
West Ohio Food Bank (Main Distribution)
1380 E. Kibby St
Food Bank
West Ohio Food Fort
300 North Elizabeth Street
Food Pantry
Common questions about free food in Lima
Where can I get free food in Lima?
Lima offers 23 free resources, including food pantries, faith-based resources, meal programs, summer meal programs, and food banks.
Do I need to qualify or bring ID?
Most locations welcome anyone without proof of income, though calling ahead can help confirm what's available for your needs.
Is the food really free?
Yes, all resources are completely free—no referral needed.
What if I need food outside of regular hours?
Some of Lima's community fridges may be stocked throughout the day; check the map to find the nearest one.