30-05-2025
Summer meal programs under strain amid increased need, funding cuts
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — It's summertime for students across the Miami Valley, but for some families, this means having less access to consistent, daily meals.
Local free summer meal programs say they are doing their best to provide, but this year programs are facing higher demand and less supply, with more families in need and fewer resources due to federal budget cuts.
'We are at capacity this year. This is probably the first time we've been at capacity this early in the summer,' said Kim Jarvis, On Purpose Academy Mentoring Center executive director.
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Jarvis says their free student meal program filled up just days into the summer season. In the six years since the program was created, this is the fastest it's ever happened — something Jarvis says is a sign of increased food insecurity locally.
'That lets us know that families are in need, families are looking for resources,' said Jarvis.
According to the Dayton Foodbank, there are more families relying on free meals for students — a program that is generally provided through agencies that work with food distribution centers.
But this year, that funding has been greatly reduced after the Summer Feeding Program was cut, resulting in the discontinuation of hundreds of health meals that went directly to local schools.
Partners of The Foodbank, like the Dayton Christian Center, say they are increasingly relying on other sources for donations beyond The Foodbank to maintain their current summer meal program.
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Program leaders agree it's a priority to provide meals for kids during this crucial time.
'We do our best to make sure that we support our children no matter what, especially in the summertime, because we know a lot of the children who are in school may not have the same resources that they do through the school season,' said Yvonne Watkins, Dayton Christian Center executive director.
Families in need of summer food assistance are encouraged to reach out to their local school district for direct resources in the area. The Foodbank also says it is still open for any families who need help finding a free food pantry near them.
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