Matt Habash of Mid-Ohio Food Collective leads with a unique approach, his singular focus is bringing his organization closer to those who really need the help – people facing food insecurity.

Habash shared a key insight: “Our real customer is the hungry person.” This idea has been at the heart of his work for over a decade and has driven a deep dive into data collection and analysis. “Every business decision is backed by data,” he said, emphasizing the importance of being informed and targeted in their approach.

The analysis revealed something crucial: many of those in need were traveling long distances to reach food pantries. This led to the creation of Mid-Ohio Markets, strategically placed in areas of high need, resembling grocery stores and stocked with fresh, healthy food. These hubs also provide vital community services tailored to local needs, from legal aid and rental assistance to college student support services.

Currently, there are eight such Markets, each with extended hours and some featuring innovative food lockers, inspired by Amazon, for easy, anytime access. For Habash, it’s all about being where the customer is and understanding their needs.

Habash’s path to food banking is a personal one. He shared how his early career in social services and encounters with food scarcity in youths’ homes left a lasting impact, shaping his vision for a more effective, interconnected approach to tackling food insecurity.

Now, Habash is steering the food bank to a new realm: the “food as health” movement. Leveraging his experience in national produce distribution initiatives, he’s looking to align food banks with the healthcare industry, focusing on providing healthy food as a key to affordable healthcare solutions.

The challenge, as Habash sees it, is in getting the healthcare sector on board. If healthcare providers step up, food banks like Mid-Ohio can sustainably offer these vital services. Habash’s long term vision includes more than expanding food banks, he’s thinking bigger – how can we, as a community, come together to ensure everyone thrives? His innovative approach and forward thinking strategies are reshaping the role of food banks in modern society.