Rep. Joyce Beatty Donation Helps Stock OhioHealth Associate and Patient Pantries During Critical Time

Congresswoman Joyce Beatty is helping strengthen community support at OhioHealth through a generous $1,000 contribution from an independent nonprofit organization she established, the Fire and Focus Foundation. The gift helped purchase food and stock shelves for pop-up food pantries that are set up across all 16 OhioHealth care sites and the OhioHealth Blom Administrative Campus, ensuring associates and patients have access to essential items during a challenging time.

The Fire and Focus Foundation supports education by celebrating, honoring and awarding scholarships primarily to women and organizations in the fields of education, healthcare and entrepreneurship. That same spirit of service is reflected in its ongoing efforts to uplift communities in times of need.

OhioHealth launched the systemwide pantry initiative earlier this month to help fill the gap for associates and patients affected by recent disruptions in food assistance programs.

The pantries are designed specifically for members of the OhioHealth family, operating on a simple principle: take what you need, leave what you can. Each location is managed by site leads and volunteers who oversee inventory, restock shelves and assist those seeking help.

“The generosity from the Fire and Focus Foundation helps extend support to patients and associates who need it most right now,” said Karen Morrison, OhioHealth senior vice president of external affairs and president of the OhioHealth Foundation. “The food pantries reflect who we are as an organization. It’s our mission in action - To Improve the Health of Those We Serve.”

Since the food drive launched on Nov. 7, OhioHealth associates have collected over six thousand pounds in donations, with some sites receiving hundreds of contributions in just the first couple days. The pantries will remain open through Thanksgiving, continuing support as government benefits resume. Associates are encouraged to donate nonperishable, unexpired food items to help maintain the pantries.

OhioHealth also actively supports broader community efforts year-round through partnerships with organizations such as the Mid-Ohio Food Collective and United Way.