Free summer meals available for students in Columbus, central Ohio
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) —This summer, several central Ohio programs will offer free breakfasts, lunches and dinners for students 18 and under.
Starting Monday, the Columbus Metropolitan Library, in partnership with Children's Hunger Alliance, will provide meals at 17 locations.
'Ensuring that our young minds have what they need to succeed extends beyond literacy,' library CEO Lauren Hagan said. 'Students can't focus on their schoolwork if they're hungry. We deeply value the Children's Hunger Alliance for their continued commitment and partnership.'
CML-Summer-Meals-Flier_2025Download
Columbus Recreation and Parks also offers free, nutritionally balanced meals at its community centers and other locations during the summer.
Meals are served to anyone between the ages of 1 and 18, and anyone aged 18 to 21 who has been determined by a state or local public educational agency to be mentally or physically disabled and involved in an independent education program.
Families in need can call 866-3-HUNGRY (Español: 877-8-HAMBRE) or text 914-342-7744 with a question that contains a keyword such as 'food,' 'summer,' 'meals,' etc. and receive a text back that will show free meal sites closest to them.
Information can be downloaded in English, Spanish and Somali. Visit the website for a map of locations.
In addition, Pickerington Local Schools will be serving healthy meals during summer break for children 18 and under.
The lunch schedule begins on Monday, June 2, and runs through June 30. No-cost lunches will be available at Tussing Elementary School, 7117 Tussing Road, Mondays through Fridays, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. No registration is required, making it a hassle-free experience.
'This program is about ensuring kids have access to nutritious meals even when school isn't in session,' Pickerington Food Service Supervisor Suzie Gerhardt said. 'We encourage families to take advantage of this opportunity.'
Parents or guardians seeking more information can call PLSD at 614-833-3645, office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or visit the PLSD website.
SUN Meals, a statewide summer food program sponsored by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, is available to children ages 1 through 18 and individuals ages 19 through 21 identified as having mental or physical disabilities and following Individualized Education Programs.
Free meals will be served during the summer months at participating program sites. Information is available by calling 1-866-348-6479 or visiting the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce website.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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