Powell, OH — The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and Mid-Ohio Food Collective are working together to address hunger in Central Ohio as part of the annual Stuff the Truck food drive at the Columbus Zoo on Friday, December 3, 2021. As part of this event, each guest who brings six (6) non-perishable food items to the Zoo will receive one (1) free admission to enjoy Wildlights, efficiently powered by AEP Ohio, for this night only.
To drop off donations, guests will be directed along a specified traffic pattern and will remain in their cars as they approach one of two Mid-Ohio Food Collective trucks located on both sides of the Zoo’s main parking lot. All food items will be removed from the trunk or back seat of the car, or handed through the window if necessary, by the staff or volunteer working at the drop-off location.
After collecting the food, admission voucher(s) will be handed to guests, and they will be directed to park their car so they can then begin their visit to the Zoo where they can enjoy the more than 3 million LED lights that await them. The cost of parking is covered with proof of donation, and donations are not required for children ages 3 years and under. The Zoo will collect cans from visitors that evening until 9 p.m.
“We are incredibly grateful to be working with the Columbus Zoo to help families enjoy the wonders of the Zoo while helping those who are struggling to make ends meet,” said Matt Habash, President & CEO of Mid-Ohio Food Collective. “The tremendous support from the community will help us to provide nutritious meals to our neighbors. While we work every day to help those in need put food on their tables, we are especially thankful that we are able to do so during the holidays when we all want nourishment from, and with, our families.”
“The holidays offer the perfect time to reflect, be thankful, and give back—all of which are at the heart of the Stuff the Truck initiative. We are proud to continue this important tradition with Mid-Ohio Food Collective, and we are extremely grateful to our generous community for helping to make a difference,” said Jerry Borin, interim President/CEO of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
As long as each family member donates six items, there is no limit to the number of free passes per family. While Wildlights festivities don’t begin until 5 p.m., guests are encouraged to arrive early to avoid lines. Guests are welcome to enjoy the animals starting as early as 10 a.m., when the Zoo opens.
For additional updates about the Columbus Zoo, events, and more, be sure to follow the Zoo’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, and visit us at ColumbusZoo.org.
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About the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Home to more than 10,000 animals representing over 600 species from around the globe, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium leads and inspires by connecting people and wildlife. The Zoo complex is a recreational and education destination that includes the 22-acre Zoombezi Bay water park and 18-hole Safari Golf Course. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium also manages The Wilds, a 10,000-acre conservation center and safari park located in southeastern Ohio. The Zoo is a regional attraction with global impact, annually contributing privately raised funds to support conservation projects worldwide. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Columbus Zoo has earned Charity Navigator’s prestigious 4-star rating.
About Mid-Ohio Food Collective
Mid-Ohio Food Collective is the umbrella organization that holds five assets, Mid-Ohio Foodbank, our anchor asset, Mid-Ohio Farm, Mid-Ohio Markets, Mid-Ohio Farmacy and Mid-Ohio Kitchen. The Mid-Ohio Food Collective has a network of 680 partner agencies across 20 counties, connecting those in need to nutritious food. Learn more by visiting mofc.org
