Many Ohio parents and caregivers continue to make difficult choices every day to provide for their families. In many cases, this leaves Ohio’s most vulnerable citizens, our children and youth, struggling with hunger daily.
In 2017, more than 4 million meals were served to Ohio children through the Summer Food Service Program with the help of approximately 1,500 feeding sites.
This summer, the Ohio Department of Education is sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program, providing children with free, healthy meals. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administered by the Ohio Department of Education.
It’s easy to participate and no sign-up is required. Simply call 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479), visit education.ohio.gov/kidseat or use the department’s mobile app (available free of charge in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store) for meal times and locations.
The Summer Food Service Program ensures children ages 18 and younger continue to receive nutritious meals during the summer break from school, when they do not have access to school breakfasts or lunches. Children with disabilities and approved individualized education programs may participate through age 21.
“The need for healthy meals doesn’t stop when school breaks for the summer, and the Summer Food Service Program helps provide children with nourishment to make sure summer can be a time for continued learning and fun,” says Paolo DeMaria, superintendent of public
instruction. “Instead of worrying about where their next meals will come from, our students can enjoy activities like reading, sports, playing outdoors and the growing that happens during the summer months.”
— Ohio Department of Education
