Hungry in Cincinnati? Check Out These Free Meal Spots
Why It Matters
No one should have to go hungry. In Cincinnati, many folks — families, seniors, students, people experiencing housing instability — rely on free meals, food pantries, and meal programs to get by. Whether for a hot dinner, groceries to cook at home, or a quick snack, these services are lifelines. Below are several trusted places and options to check out.
Top Free Meal & Food Service Options in Cincinnati
Here are some of the key resources you can tap into across the city:
1. Our Daily Bread Soup Kitchen & Social Center
Address: 1730 Race St., Cincinnati, OH
Largest soup kitchen in the area, serving 600+ hot, free meals five days a week.
No ID, proof of income, or address required — just show up.
Also offers a social center where people can relax, join activities, or build community.
ourdailybread.us+1
2. Freestore Foodbank + Partner Sites
Freestore is a major food bank distributing millions of meals annually.
They also support “choice pantry” sites (where you can pick what you need) and Kids Cafe — hot meals after school at partner sites in Hamilton County.
Freestore Foodbank+1
Use their website’s distribution map to find partner locations near you.
513relief.org+1
3. Queen City Kitchen
Offers hot meals and pantry-style food without requiring proof of address or zip code restrictions.
You can “pick what you need” — a more dignified model than fixed boxes.
Queen City Kitchen
4. St. Vincent de Paul Parish-Based Pantries
Operates about 13 food closets across Hamilton County, plus a central Choice Food Pantry.
Hours vary by location.
St. Vincent de Paul
Apoyo Latino also mentions a drive-up box program through St. Vincent de Paul.
Cincinnati Latino
5. Community Kitchen / 7 Hills Neighborhood Houses
The Neighborhood House runs a kitchen that provides meals to community members, especially during the school year and for those attending center events.
Meals are given to anyone present; sometimes participants can take a plate home.
7hillsnh.com
6. Mobile Food Pantry – Community Action Agency (CAA)
Works in partnership with Freestore and local churches to deliver food (fruits, baked goods, veggies) on a first-come, first-served basis.
Schedule changes monthly — check CAA’s site for upcoming dates and locations.
Cincinnati Community Action Agency
7. Public Library After-School Meals
Through a partnership with UMC Food Ministry, several Cincinnati Public Library branches offer free after-school meals/snacks for kids and teens (grades 1–18).
Participants must eat at the library.
Cincinnati Library+1
8. La Soupe
Focuses on rescuing surplus food (from restaurants, groceries, etc.), turning it into ready-to-eat meals, and distributing to nonprofits and individuals.
Their meals go out via partner agencies, so find their distribution locations (shelters, pantries) to benefit.
La Soupe+1
Tips to Maximize Help & Make It Work for You
Call ahead — Hours, services, availability change frequently.
Check eligibility — Some sites may require ID, proof of residence, or household info.
Travel smart — Take public transit, bus, or rideshares if possible. Some pantries serve specific zip codes.
Go early — Particularly for mobile pantries, food banks, or hot meal lines.
Volunteer or pay forward — Many places also accept help; not only do you get meals, but you can build connections.
Use online tools: sites like FindHelp.org list updated food & meal programs in Cincinnati.
