Our Common Goods Initiative was born out of a shared belief that no one in our community should ever have to go hungry. When the SNAP freeze began on November 1st, 2025, during the government shutdown, neighbors across Columbus came together with one goal: to take care of one another. What started as a simple idea—to organize canned food drives and keep our local blessing boxes filled—quickly grew into something much bigger.
As we searched for information on where these boxes were located and what other food resources were available, we realized how challenging it was to find clear, accessible information. That’s when Our Common Goods Initiative truly came to life.
Our mission is to make it easier for everyone to connect with the food resources and community support they need. We believe that when we share what we have, lift each other up, and make information accessible to all, we build a stronger, more caring Columbus—together.
We were proud to partner with the Bartholomew County Democratic Party, who generously offered space to store canned goods and essential supplies. Through this collaboration, we’re able to keep our community’s blessing boxes stocked and ensure that neighbors in need always have access to food and support.
On Halloween, two of our founding members helped fill the Columbus Alliance Church blessing box — one of the most frequently used in our community. Because it serves so many neighbors, this box will need to be replenished often, and we’re committed to keeping it stocked with care and compassion.