Summer Food Program
We are the wealthiest nation in the world, yet many Ohio children and families go to bed hungry. With the rise in food prices, Ohio is seeing a steep increase in the demand for food assistance. Working families are struggling to make their paychecks stretch to the end of the month. Almost half of Ohioans living in poverty are under 24 years old. Proper nutrition is the fuel that enables a child to learn and grow. Our nation is stronger for every child who is unencumbered by hunger and empowered to realize their full potential.
The Ohio Department of Education oversees the School Lunch Program, which provides free and reduced meals to children from low-income families. Last school year, more than 500,000 school lunches were served for free or at a reduced price each day. But while all children eligible for free or reduced lunches are automatically eligible for the Summer Food Service program, the number served drops dramatically in the summer months. Last summer, the average daily attendance at summer feeding sites across Ohio was only 57,000 out of the eligible 500,000.
Families often don’t seek out -- or are unaware of -- Summer Food Service sites although there are at least 200 sites across the state. To locate a local feeding site click here. Most local Summer Feeding sites are also seeking volunteers to assist in meal preparation and serving. Increased utilization of Summer Feeding sites can relieve families feeling the strain from rising food and energy costs. It means children who aren’t getting the food they need to grow up healthy can eat. We must do all we can to make sure that no Ohio child goes hungry.
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