Our History
1972
Gahanna Rotary, Rev. Donald Swift, Lions & Mifflin Presbyterian started giving food to those in need as GRIN.
1979
Sally & Jim Williams housed GRIN for a year until Mifflin Presbyterian Church allowed GRIN to provide services in their church setting.
1999
GRIN was incorporated.
2000
2000
Holiday Assistance Program offering Thanksgiving boxes for families, as well as Christmas Adoptions.
2003
2000
2003
GRIN began providing financial assistance for rent & utilities.
2011
2000
2003
The GCMA collaborated with GRIN, a Board of Directors was created.
2013
2013
2013
GRIN integrated community services with Stonybrook UMH Clothing Free Store and The Bridges Summer Lunch Club.
2014
2013
2013
- Executive Director was hired to execute the directives of the Board.
- Meijer's “Simply Give Program” teamed up
- GRIN moved to 760 Morrison Rd, first space of our own
2015
2013
2015
GRIN partnered with the Gahanna-Jefferson Schools to provide:
- Weekend Snack packs to children in need
- Back to school supplies, book bags and other services needed to start the new school year.
2016
2016
2015
GRIN joined forces with Mid-Ohio
2017
2016
2017
Program Director was hired part-time & GRIN moved to a bigger facility at 165 Granville Street, Gahanna, OH, 43230
2020
2016
2017
COVID hit
Box Truck purchased
Food Pantry Mgr hired part-time
Clothing Pantry discontinued
Our History Continued
2021
2021
2021
Mobile Food Pantry began
Home Deliveries began
Executive Director full-time
Community Gardens
2022
2021
2021
50th GRINiversary
Diverse Food Selections
2023
2021
2023
Moved to 161 Granville St.
Walk-in Freezer/Cooler
Part-time staff hours increased
2024
2024
2023
Pantry Administrator, part-time, hired
Community gardens with All Saints Episcopal & Gahanna Community Congregational Churches
2025
2024
2025
- Temperature-regulated lockers for 24/7 food service
- Raised garden beds
- Plant It Forward - plant giveaway
Through The Years
Ribbon cutting at 161 Granville St (2023)
Installing new sign in lobby at 161 Granville
Volunteers getting shelves stocked for opening day!
Look at new pantry (161 Granville St)
GRIN Truck
2017 Chamber of Gahanna ribbon cutting (165 Granville St).
GARA group with monetary donations for cooler.
Volunteer explaining the shop through system to church Liaison (Vickie Shkane at Gahanna Community Congregation)
Volunteers arranging stock at 165 Granville St.
2014 move to our first indepedent space at 760 Morrison Road.
Mayor Stinchcomb and Chamber President Leslie Blake presenting GRIN Brenda Johnston with award.
1979 - Sally & Jim Williams helped with GRIN - took over the pantry initially out of their home.
Volunteers working Back to School Fair
Drive through pantry during COVID
Volunteers loading up food for National Church Residence in Gahanna
Awards Through The Years
