Partnering for
Healthy Communities

Local Matters created healthier communities in Central Ohio through food education, food access, food advocacy, and food rescue. We built skills through inclusive education, expanded access to fresh and affordable foods, and advocated for policies that support food security, including food waste education and diversion efforts through Columbus Food Rescue.

When major funding fell through in January 2026, Local Matters saw the potential for trouble on the horizon, and we made necessary changes to operations to try to navigate that uncertainty. Despite a diminished capacity, we continued to fulfill programming. Staff labored until the bitter end for what ended up being more than a temporary setback, and the organization ceased operations in June 2026.