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Aug. 23, 2022
Contact:
Dominique Shank, Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, 614-512-0049 (cell)
Media Advisory: City Expands Food Resources for Columbus City School Students
COLUMBUS – There are resources for students who need access to meals until they return to the classroom.
"No child should go hungry. We know some families rely on schools for meals for their students," said Mayor Andrew J. Ginther. "It's important to connect families with resources during these uncertain times. I encourage anyone who would benefit from these services to take advantage of them, and understand doing so does not show support for any particular side in this negotiation."
Resources include:
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Student Support Centers: Beginning Thursday, Aug. 25, breakfast and lunch will be provided for students who spend the day at the Student Support Centers located at participating YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, and Columbus Recreation and Parks Department sites.
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Free Mobile Produce Markets: Qualified families can get a week's worth of fresh produce at select Columbus Recreation and Parks community centers throughout the year. The amount of fresh produce distributed is approximately a one-week supply based on family size. Mobile Produce Markets take place most Thursdays and Fridays at 3 p.m.
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Columbus City Schools: Students can access “grab and go” meals at 25 designated school sites across the City. Beginning Wednesday, Aug. 24, the sites will be open Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Students will be provided with lunch as well as breakfast for the next day. CCS Safety and Security personnel will assist in managing access to the meal sites.
"Food insecurity is a challenge too many families here in Columbus face," said Bernita A. Reese, CPRP, director of Columbus Recreation and Parks Department. "We offer support to families throughout the year, and it's important to remind residents of what's available to them."
Understanding students and families need many types of support--from a safe place for students to spend the day while caregivers work to a space where students have the option of engaging in online learning--several partners are offering Student Support Centers across the City. The centers are a safe place that offers supervision, they are not intended to serve as a substitute for in-person academic instruction. A complete list of Student Support Centers can be found online at www.columbus.gov/studentsupportcenters. Additional locations will be added as they are announced.
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