IPM Food Pantry

IPM Food Pantry has been helping families in the Cincinnati area for over 60 years. Founded in 1964 by four local churches, IPM now serves families across more than 30 zip codes in four counties. The pantry moved into a new 12,000 sq. ft. facility in Mt. Carmel and has seen a 50% increase in food distributed since relocating. IPM also runs mobile and pop-up pantries throughout Southeast Ohio, a Fresh Start Kitchen program, Giving Boxes, and other community programs.

Who Can Visit?

Everyone is welcome — IPM serves all zip codes. You do not need to bring any ID or paperwork when you visit. You can also shop on behalf of a neighbor, family member, friend, or client who cannot make it in person.

How to Register?

No pre-registration is needed for the Drive-Through Pantry. For The Market (the indoor choice pantry), IPM uses a free waitlist system called WaitWell to manage the line. You can join the waitlist online or by texting your first and last name to 513-788-8514.

• The waitlist opens at 12:00 PM on Market days (Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays).
• Once you join, you'll get a text when it's your turn to come inside.
• The lobby holds up to 15 people at a time, so joining early gives you the best chance of getting in before capacity is reached.
• Join the Market waitlist online

When you visit for the first time, you'll be asked to share some basic information about yourself and your household. No documentation is required.

How Often You Can Visit?

You may visit once every 15 days (about every other week).

Good to Know

• Arrive early for the best selection. Popular items like fresh produce, meat, eggs, milk, baked goods, and pet food can run out toward the end of the session.
• The Market can reach capacity. Once the daily limit is hit, the line closes for the day. Joining the WaitWell waitlist early on Market days helps secure your spot.
• Hours vary by day. Wednesday is closed for pantry services. Check current hours before your visit, as IPM also closes for major holidays and may close during bad weather. Follow their social media for updates.
• Parking is available on site. Volunteers direct traffic in the lot.

Food & Essentials

IPM offers groceries through two options:

• The Market — A choice pantry where you come inside and shop like you would at a store, picking the items that best fit your family's needs.
• Drive-Through Pantry — A quicker option where you stay in your car and receive pre-packed groceries loaded by the team. Items are not customizable, but it's fast and convenient.

Both options include items such as meat, eggs, dairy, produce, canned goods, and baked goods. Reviewers have mentioned receiving bread, eggs, meat, sweets, and more. Pet food is sometimes available but may run out quickly.

How to Pick Up

Drive-Through Pantry hours:

• Monday & Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• 2nd and 4th Monday only: 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
• Thursday & Friday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

The Market (indoor) hours:

• Monday & Tuesday: 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM
• Thursday: 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM
• Wednesday: CLOSED

The pantry is located at 4623 Aicholtz Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45244. You can call ahead at 513-561-3932.

Additional Support

Fresh Start Kitchen helps families who are just moving into a new home. If you have moved into a new residence within the last 2 months, you may qualify to receive kitchen supplies and groceries to help you get settled. You must be referred through a partner agency (such as Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health, Child Focus, or ProKids).

Mobile Food Pantries bring groceries directly into neighborhoods across Southeast Ohio. Check the IPM calendar for upcoming locations and dates.

Pop-Up Pantries connect families with food and resources at community locations through partner organizations.

Giving Boxes are 24/7 non-perishable food boxes available at specific locations for anyone in need — no visit to the pantry required.

Backpack of Basics provides essential supplies for people experiencing homelessness, distributed through social service agencies.

Power Packs give students weekend meal bags, distributed through partner schools.

Ways to Give

There are several ways to support IPM:

• Donate online at ipmfoodpantry.org
• Donate by mail to: IPM Food Pantry, 4623 Aicholtz Road, Cincinnati, OH 45244 (EIN: 23-7451134)
• Drop off food donations during donation hours:
  • Monday & Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Thursday: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
  • Friday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
• Shop an Amazon Wish List — IPM has wish lists for pantry needs, Fresh Start Kitchen, Power Packs, the Backpack Program, personal care items, and Christmas gifts.
• Host a collection drive at your workplace, school, church, or community group. Email drives@ipmfoodpantry.org to get started.
• Adopt a Shelf to help keep the pantry stocked.
• Ask for pantry donations in lieu of gifts at your next event or celebration.

Most needed non-perishable items include: canned ham, chicken, tuna, and beef stew; canned carrots or peas; cereal; baked beans; canned white beans; canned mandarin oranges and pineapple; spaghetti sauce with meat; canned pasta (ravioli, SpaghettiOs with meat); jelly (non-grape); cornbread/muffin mix; single-serve mac and cheese or ravioli; and granola bars.

Most needed personal care items include: dish soap, paper towels, shampoo and conditioner, laundry detergent, toilet paper, body wash, deodorant, and hand soap.

How to Join the Team?

IPM welcomes volunteers! You can apply online through their Better Impact volunteer portal: Apply to be a volunteer

Volunteer roles include:

• Choice Pantry Volunteer — Welcome, check in, and assist shoppers inside The Market.
• Drive-Through Pantry Volunteer — Organize, gather, and load food into cars.
• Donation Stocking — Date-check and organize donated items on shelves.
• Preparing Meal Kits and Emergency Food Boxes — Package food for families in crisis.
• Office Help — Answer phones, retrieve voicemails, and assist with other tasks.
• Mobile Food Pantry — Help unload and distribute food at community locations.
• Neighbor Intake — Check in clients using the computer system (special training required).
• Back-to-School Program — Help families select school supplies and write notes for students.
• Christmas Toy Store — Help families choose toys for their children during the holidays.

For questions, call 513-561-3932 or use the contact form.