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Community September 30, 2024

Bread Financial and Mid-Ohio Food Collective harness data to combat hunger

Mid-Ohio Market

Innovation, insights fuel next-gen strategies to provide convenient access to food 

Every day, organizations worldwide leverage data insights to enhance strategies, optimize resources and deliver more effective solutions. And while data is invaluable for modern businesses, its recent use in tackling hunger is particularly impactful. Through its partnership with Bread Financial, Mid-Ohio Food Collective (MOFC) stands as a prime example of how data can be used to combat food insecurity, showcasing the positive impacts of combining technology and philanthropy. 

On Thursday, September 26, Bread Financial, a tech-forward financial services company headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, and a long-time supporter of MOFC, announced a $1.25 million gift to further MOFC’s mission. Building on a previous gift to mature MOFC’s data analysis, Bread Financial’s latest contribution will support its eight Mid-Ohio Markets, which provide customers with a no-cost grocery store experience, as well as its expansion plans for a ninth location. 

“The Mid-Ohio Markets are designed to be convenient and accessible places for Ohioans to receive healthy food without stigma, and our Markets currently receive more than 30,000 visits a month,” said Matt Habash, president and chief executive officer, Mid-Ohio Food Collective. “MOFC is committed to addressing the root causes of hunger and providing solutions and services that allow our communities to thrive. We’re thrilled to have Bread Financial's continued support as we expand the strategy and reach of our Markets.” 

Since launching its Markets in 2019, MOFC has relied heavily on data from its digital analytics platform, developed with the additional funding from Bread Financial in 2020. This platform easily and quickly provides insights into the needs of the more than 700,000 customers using MOFC's services, compared to its earlier database.  

"From our data, we pinpointed areas with the greatest need for food services and strategically placed our Markets there," said Nick Davis, chief innovation officer, Mid-Ohio Food Collective. "We also found that operating hours often posed a challenge for those in need, so we expanded our Market hours based on the precise days and times we saw increased visits. 

Like a for-profit business, we use data to evaluate our program's success and inform our decisions. Bread Financial’s recent gift brings its commitments full circle as we continue using a data-driven approach to ensure we provide the right food in the right place at the right time." 

Across food banks, data use is growing, being applied to need forecasting, inventory tracking, trend identification, impact measurement and more. As an early adopter of data analysis, MOFC is often a leader in finding innovative ways to feed more people, with its models and initiatives frequently replicated by other organizations. 

"The partnership between Bread Financial and MOFC exemplifies the power of collaboration in addressing complex social issues and highlights the importance of prioritizing data and technology to meet business goals," said Tammy McConnaughey, executive vice president at Bread Financial and a MOFC board member. "Hunger is an age-old problem, but solving it requires a new approach. I’m proud of our collective impact so far and look forward to efficiently and effectively driving change in our community." 

 


About the Mid-Ohio Food Collective  
Mid-Ohio Food Collective (MOFC) is the largest hunger relief organization in central and eastern Ohio. Through our five assets (the Mid-Ohio Foodbank, Mid-Ohio Farm, Mid-Ohio Farmacy, Mid-Ohio Kitchen, and Mid-Ohio Market), MOFC addresses the root causes of hunger while working with more than 600 partner agencies in 20 counties to feed hundreds of thousands of hungry Ohioans every year.

About Bread Financial®
Bread Financial® (NYSE: BFH) is a tech-forward financial services company providing simple, personalized payment, lending and saving solutions. The company creates opportunities for its customers and partners through digitally enabled choices that offer ease, empowerment, financial flexibility and exceptional customer experiences. Driven by a digital-first approach, data insights and white-label technology, Bread Financial delivers growth for its partners through a comprehensive suite of payment solutions that includes private label and co-brand credit cards and Bread Pay® buy now, pay later products. Bread Financial also offers direct-to-consumer products that give customers more access, choice and freedom through its branded Bread Cashback® American Express® Credit Card, Bread Rewards™ American Express® Credit Card and Bread Savings® products.    
     
Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Bread Financial is powered by its approximately 7,000 global associates and is committed to sustainable business practices. To learn more about Bread Financial, visit breadfinancial.com or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, X and Instagram.