We’ve been delivering food to Greater Cincinnati and Kentucky communities for nearly 15 years.
Through a path of rapid growth and expansion, we continue to provide more food to more organizations, Making God’s Love Edible.
Growing Through Collaboration
UMC Food Ministry continues to expaned on non-congregate offerings, offering home delivery to all the school districts in Brown County, OH, as well as operating new grab-and-go sites in Lewis County, KY. We also supplied meals to Breathitt County, Trimble County, and the Food Bank of the Heartland, who operated as their own sponsor during SFSP 2025.
Expanding Access and Connection
UMC Food Ministry expanded on their non-congregate offerings in Summer 2024. We transitioned to home delivery in Pendleton County, partnered with CNE Cares to operate a grab-and-go site in Owensville, Ohio, as well as grab-and-go sites in Gallatin County, KY and the Ripley Union Lewis Huntington school district in Brown County, OH.
Reaching Rural Communities
The Consolidates Appropriations Act became effective in 2023, which allows non-congregate summer meal service in rural areas with no congregate option. This rule was intended to reduce barriers for children in remote communities where attending daily meal sites is impractical. UMC Food Ministry partnered with Owen County for home delivery, and Pendleton County for grab-and-go meals.
A New Home for Growth
UMC Food Ministry expands to a fully operating warehouse in the Latonia Shopping Center, where all fresh fruits and vegetables are produced for all programs year-round
4 Million Meals Served Across Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati
UMCFood currently provides over 4 million fresh, nutritious meals annually to children across Northern Kentucky and the Greater Cincinnati region. UMCFood also home delivered 7 days worth of food to every child in Owen County, Kentucky in both 2020 and 2021.
Feeding Model Shifts Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, UMC Food Ministry is forced to shift from a model of serving hot meals to distributing weekly meal boxes filled with shelf-stable food to children and families. An enhanced need for accessible food opens the door to additional community partnerships to support families experiencing sudden job loss. In April 2020, UMCFood begins serving 450,000 meals per month, distributing 2.8 million total meals throughout the year.
UMC Food Ministry Serves More Than 1 Million Meals
UMC Food Ministry continues to grow, serving 1.6 million meals across Northern Kentucky and the Greater Cincinnati region through 8 community-based kitchens and over 200 feeding sites.
Community Partnerships Become Key
Strong relationships with community leaders and organizations across the region lead to long term partnerships at a wide range of feeding sites. UMC Food Ministry’s network expands to include the following groups:
UMC Food Ministry Becomes an Official Ministry of The United Methodist Church
Because of the widespread need to feed hungry children, UMC Food Ministry is organized as an official ministry of the Northern Kentucky District of the United Methodist Church. The seeds that Highland UMC planted and cultivated become a ministry of the larger connectional ministry of the United Methodist Church. Highland UMC remains the anchor central kitchen. At the start of 2016, UMCFood operates 7 central kitchens and serves food at nearly 100 sites across the region. UMCFood serves more than 800,000 meals in 2016.
More Kids Receive Meals
UMC Food Ministry experiences rapid growth, increasing the number of meals served by nearly 200 percent between 2014 and 2015. UMCFood serves 207,323 free meals to children in need in 2014 and 611,125 meals in 2015.
UMC Food Ministry is Born
Highland UMC serves 38,000 meals as public awareness of the program grows. Because of the program’s success, the church raises over $80,000 in one day to begin a massive renovation of their kitchen in order to expand the food ministry’s reach. This leads to the creation of UMC Food Ministry.
A “Third Place” Forms in Fort Thomas
Highland UMC becomes a gathering place for people in the Fort Thomas community. The church opens Twisty Grill, offering treats like soft serve ice cream, hamburgers and salads. Highland UMC begins operating the Summer Food Service Program through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This program provides meals during the summer to children who live in areas with high levels of food insecurity. Highland UMC serves 18,000 meals to children in 2009.
The Underground Cafe Connects With Teens
Highland UMC in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, makes a concentrated effort to reach out to youth and children in the community. Highland UMC opens the Underground Cafe to serve lunchtime meals to students from Highlands High School, located across the street from the church. Church volunteers staff the Underground Cafe, which provides hot meals, like hamburgers and pizza, at fair prices.
