By Okon Ekpenyong
Every food drive has its purpose- to serve the community, but the people behind it, the community partners, the volunteers, and the organizers are the ones who make it come alive.
And that’s why the fresh-produce giveaway on November 8 at Liberian in Columbus was especially impactful this time around. The ongoing government shutdown has left millions across the nation, including thousands right here in central Ohio, uncertain about when SNAP benefits will resume.
In partnership with the Mid‑Ohio Food Collective, LICI typically holds a monthly produce distribution at its headquarters, and it has recently added a second site on Refugee Road to better address food insecurity on Columbus’s East Side.
From volunteers to community members, partners, and sponsors, Liberian in Columbus continues its “neighbors helping neighbors” mission through a biweekly food‑distribution program. The effort shows that community leaders were already tackling these challenges long before the shutdown drew attention to them.
“This past Saturday, volunteers arrived as early as 7:30 a.m. and worked all day loading vehicles with much‑needed supplies, offering smiles and acts of kindness that truly make a difference,” the LICI team said. Representatives from Mid-Ohio and other LICI partners were also in attendance, reinforcing the idea that helping one another—whether by providing food or hope—keeps the momentum going and opens new ways to reach more families.
There were cabbages, pears, onions, and tomatoes, as well as other goods, available to families driving through. Dozens of cars, each filled with a family, were grateful for the support, not only those receiving SNAP benefits, but also the entire community.
As one LICI board member explained, the goal is to remind families that their community will stand with them during these difficult times. “This achievement demonstrates the power of collaboration and community spirit,” the team added. “We will continue to expand the program, improve distribution, and uphold the dignity and well‑being of every person we serve with each biweekly delivery.”
As organizations across Central Ohio, such as LICI, and others nationwide continue to step up during these challenging times, they rely on the ongoing support, participation, and trust of the broader community. None of this—including the fresh-produce giveaway—would be possible without it.
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