Free summer meals for kids and Mobile Produce Markets

In an effort to curb food insecurity with kids in Franklin County, there are programs to provide free lunch for kids, and free produce to low income families.

The Go, Lunch! Summer Food Program with Columbus Recreation and Parks’ offers free, nutritionally balanced meals during the Summer months at our community centers along with other various locations.

There are also Mobile Produce Markets available to provide free produce for eligible low-income families.

Go, Lunch Summer Food Program

Go, Lunch! Summer food program offers kids free, nutritious meals and snacks at hundreds of locations throughout the city.

Many kids receive free or reduced-price breakfasts and lunches during the school year, but don’t have access to quality nutrition during the summer.

This amazing program helps bridge that gap and make sure kids aren’t hungry during the summer months.

One in four children in Franklin County do not have access to sufficient and nutritious foods…one in four!

Go, Lunch! Summer Food Program serves meals at sites across Franklin County.

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Free Summer Meals for Children

Find Summer meals at this clickable map – there are 100’s of locations in Central Ohio, including libraries, YMCA’s, apartment complexes, schools, recreation centers, churches, and more. All kids are welcome!

Go, Lunch! Summer Food Sites will offer meal service from June 5, 2024 – until school starts. Serving times for sites range from 7am – 10am for breakfast, and 11am – 1pm for lunch.

TEXT “FOOD” to 877-877 to find a nearby site offering free and nutritious meals for children.

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 and is also available online or by calling 1-866-3-HUNGRY.

Visit www.GoLunch.club for information, including a map of sites.

Data shows that only 10% of the children who are in the most need of free meals are taking advantage of the summer meal program – and that is heartbreaking. Please spread the word!

Not in Franklin County?

Nutritious free meals are available for children and teens 18 and younger at many locations throughout the nation during the summer while school is out of session with the Summer Food Service Program, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The free summer meals program helps to ensure that children will receive nutritious meals when school is out for the summer.

Children can enjoy meals in a safe and supervised environment, such as often local schools, community centers, recreation centers, libraries, parks, and faith-based organizations. All children and teens are eligible and no registration is required.

Schedule at each site vary for days and hours of meals.

Call the National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-3-HUNGRY or 1-877-8-HAMBRE, or visit the website to find a meal site near you. A representative will help you find food resources near your location.

Mobile Produce Markets

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Columbus Recreation and Parks Department offer Mobile Produce Markets to provide boxes of free fruits and veggies to families in need.

Eligible families (200% or below of the Federal Poverty Level) will receive approximately a one week supply of fresh produce based on the family size. See if your family qualifies for the market here.

Go Lunch! Free summer meals for kids