This summer, the Ohio Department of Education is sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program, providing children with free, healthy meals.
It’s easy to participate and no sign up is required. Simply call 1-866-3-HUNGRY or visit education.ohio.gov/KidsEat for meal times and locations.
The Summer Food Service Program ensures children ages 18 and under continue to receive nutritious meals during the summer break from school, when they do not have access to school breakfast or lunch. Children with disabilities and approved individualized education programs may participate through age 21.
“Giving children access to a healthy meal during the summer months is very important,” said Dr. Lonny J. Rivera, interim superintendent of public instruction. “The Summer Food Service Program brings communities together in making sure children have the nourishment they need to remain healthy.”
Many Ohio parents and caregivers continue to make difficult choices every day in order to provide for their families. In many cases, this leaves Ohio’s most vulnerable citizens, our children and youth, struggling with hunger daily.
In 2015, more than 50,000 Ohio children received free daily meals last year through the Summer Food Service Program with the help of 201 sponsoring agencies and 1,781 feeding sites.
The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Education and administered by the Ohio Department of Education.