Columbus Neighbor Grocery Match

Columbus Neighbor Grocery Match connects neighbors across the city to help each other access groceries during times of need, especially as SNAP benefits and other supports face disruption.

Each round, we match individuals or families who can offer grocery help with those who could use some extra support. Each match is one “grocery run”. It’s a simple, people-powered way to make sure everyone in our community can eat well and feel cared for.

How does it work?

  1. Fill out the short form. You’ll share whether you’re offering or seeking grocery support, your zip code for matching purposes, and how you’d like to connect (in-person, virtual, either).

  2. We work to match you. Rooting Resilience uses your preferences to connect you with a neighbor whose needs or offers align with yours.

  3. Coordinate together. You and your match decide what works best.

  4. Check in. We’ll send a brief message to hear how it went and learn how to improve future rounds.

Find the form here

You may have questions…

  • Anyone in the Columbus area who either:

    • Could use grocery support of any size (from a few basics to a full week’s shop), or

    • Wants to offer grocery help, gift cards, or delivery coordination for someone nearby.

    You don’t need to belong to an organization. This is for neighbors, by neighbors.

  • We do our best to create balanced and thoughtful pairings. Matches are made based on:

    • Comfort with in-person or virtual coordination

    • Zip code or general location (for in-person)

    • Transportation and delivery preferences

    • Level of need or capacity to offer support

  • Everyone’s situation is different. To help with matching, we use three general tiers:

    • Seed Support: A few basics (about $20–40 worth of groceries)

    • Sprout Support: Groceries for one or two people (about $50–75 worth)

    • Sapling Support: A larger household grocery run (about $80–120+ worth)

    All levels of giving and receiving strengthen our community.

  • Yes! You can absolutely participate virtually. Matches can coordinate through grocery websites or apps (like Kroger, Instacart, or Walmart) to send groceries, place pickup orders, or share digital gift cards. When you fill out the form, just choose “virtual match,” and we’ll connect you with someone who’s comfortable coordinating that way.

  • We’d love that. The Columbus Neighbor Grocery Match model is designed to be simple, adaptable, and community powered. To explore bringing it to your city, contact ayla@rootingresilience.org for resources and guidance.