Provides support and resources for schools to engage school professionals, families and communities in actions that lead to healthy eating and physical activity.
actionforhealthykids.org
Non-profit behavioral healthcare agency providing alcohol and drug treatment, licensed counseling, domestic violence education and intervention programs, and support services for families affected by addiction. They also offer a summer camp, UCANN Serve and UCANN Lead programs for ages 11-17 to experience mentorship and civic engagement, Urban GEMS science and gardening after-school program for ages 12-19, and awards two scholarships per year for youth ages 17-22 pursuing higher education. The organization was founded by and centers the African community but serves all regardless of race, gender, disability, or economic status.
1409 East Livingstone Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 253-4448
apdsinc.org
The website has information on a wide range of health topics, including safety, fitness, school issues, dating, substance abuse; emotional wellness, including helping children handle stress, psychiatric medications, grief. It also provides information about healthy living, family life, immunizations, developmental stages and more.
healthychildren.org
Provides quick, easy reference tools for parents, teachers, healthcare providers and communities on USDA’s MyPlate symbol that helps people make healthier food choices.
choosemyplate.gov
This faith-based organization hosts daily Fresh Markets with free produce for families, nutrition education, a Free Store with clothing and household items, after school program at Lincoln Park Elementary, free health and wellness classes, and community events.
Helps you create your own personalized meals based on the ingredients you have on hand, your favorite flavors, or your own dietary needs.
recipes.doctoryum.org/en/makers
Recipes & Meal Planner: recipes.doctoryum.org
Provides nutrition and healthy eating tips, recipes, articles and more from registered dietitians. Eat Right is created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
eatright.org
Eat Right Kids: eatright.org/for-kids
Provides feeding and healthy eating information and tips for parents of young children to transform family meals into joyful, healthful, struggle-free events, free from drama and conflict.
ellynsatterinstitute.org
Family Adolescent and Child Community Engagement Service (FACCES) is a non-profit providing holistic support for families in on the South side of Columbus. Programs include a free fresh market, urban gardening, cooking classes, family fitness classes, access to healthcare through OSU Wexner Medical Center Community Care Coach, and family gatherings. FACCES Life Ready Urban Gardening Class is a free, weekly program for youth to learn about how to grow their own food, careers in agriculture, and environmental stewardship. Go online to register for programs and find upcoming events.
2515 Lockbourne Road, Columbus, OH 43207
(614) 319-6070 or (800) 464-0920
thefacces.org
Offers family-friendly exhibits, classes, workshops, and summer camps in gardening, cooking, fine art and wellness. Check the website Calendar for upcoming events and classes, which are sometimes free. General admission is free on the first Sunday of the month for Community Day. Active or Retired service members get $1 off each ticket. SNAP, EBT, WIC and Medicaid recipients get tickets for $3 each with ID and proof of participation.
1777 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43203
(614) 715-8000
fpconservatory.org
This urban farm, located West of downtown Columbus, provides connection through farming, gardening, and education. Order online to access affordable, locally-grown produce. Anyone can visit their U-PICK garden to harvest the produce they need, for free. They also train community gardeners in communities experiencing food deserts, post free healthy recipes, provide after-school and recreational programs, and host regular community events.
867 West Town Street, Columbus, Ohio 43222
(614) 233-1887
franklintonfarms.org
This website promotes better health outcomes through a healthy lifestyle, and provides a free nutrition and weight management course as well as a general exercise course.
healthierwithscience.com
Provides free programming to schools and youth serving organizations to support kids and families with the resources they need to make healthy choices, build resiliency, achieve goals, and to form healthy habits for life. The LifeStar Challenge motivates and educates kids on the importance of physical activity, proper nutrition, and setting and achieving personal health goals through three simple principles, “I Am Active! I Eat Right! I Can Do It!”. In addition, they offer resources and support for families that can be accessed any time.
1585 Neil Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43210
(614) 563-8926
www.healthylifestars.org
This website offers a broad range of information on many topics for parents:
Offers services for Central Ohio families managing diabetes including education and counseling, medical nutrition therapy, and wellness checks with registered nurses at their community center locations. They accept Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance with no direct cost to patients. They also offer free testing supplies for those needing assistance, and accept donations for supplies. Camp Hamwi offers fun, outdoor summer camp experiences for youth ages 7-17 with diabetes. Camp fees are low and scholarships are available for families who qualify based on income.
1699 West Mound Street, Columbus, Ohio 43223
Diabetes Services: 614-437-2912
Camp Hamwi: 614-437-2914
Locations: lifecarealliance.org/programs/wellness/wellness-centers
lifecarealliance.org/programs/coda
Nonprofit supporting communities with food access, education, and advocacy. Offers in-person and virtual classes to help families shop and cook healthy meals on a budget, hosts community gardens across Columbus, and hosts community gatherings and educational events. Classes are free for all and open to all skill levels. The Veggie Van delivers affordable, fresh produce and other food. Delivery is free for most Columbus neighborhoods, and they accept cash, credit, SNAP/EBT, Produce Perks, and more.
633 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43206
(614) 263-5662
local-matters.org
Program: Non-profit offering a wide range of services for the entire family including; comprehensive primary care, OB/GYN, dental, vision, behavioral health, pharmacy (prescriptions are available at reduced cost), nutrition and spiritual care.
Eligibility: Infants, children and adults
Cost: Government insurance (Medicaid, Medicare), private insurance, sliding fee scale for those without insurance
(614) 274-1455
llchc.org
Community health and wellness center providing free holistic health and wellness programs for everyone, empowering individuals to embrace long-term health behavior changes in a safe, inclusive space. Programs include cooking and nutrition, community meetings, diabetes prevention, exercise classes, wellness and stress management, financial education, healthy babies, and mom support groups. Go online to find healthy recipes, program descriptions, and to register for a program.
(614) 234-4660
777 West State Street, Columbus, Ohio 43222
mountcarmelhealth.com/about-us/community-benefit/outreach-programs/healthy-living-center
Offers families a comprehensive approach to prevention and treatment of overweight children ages 2 and older. Their website has helpful information and resources for families and providers on research studies, gastric bypass surgery, nutrition articles and more.
(614) 722-4824
nationwidechildrens.org/center-for-healthy-weight-nutrition
Provides free nutrition education for low-income adults with children and for youth in schools where a majority of the students qualify for free/reduced lunch. OSU Extension, Franklin County also offers EFNEP programs for non-English speaking families (currently available in Spanish and Somali). To learn more about EFNEP or if you are interested in hosting a series, visit the website for contact information.
Franklin County Extension Office
530 West Spring Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
franklin.osu.edu/program-areas/efnep
OSU College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences works with families, farmers, business owners, and community leaders to build better communities in Ohio. They offer soil testing kits, 4-H Youth Development Clubs, community courses on Urban Agriculture, Beginner’s Grant Writing, and Food Safety. Their Family & Consumer Sciences office offers nutrition and lifestyle resources including SNAP education, Dining with Diabetes, Food Preservation, and more.
2548 Carmack Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210
(614) 866-6900
franklin.osu.edu/home
Provides access to hundreds of handouts and resources, covering a wide array of subjects such as agriculture and natural resources, family and consumer sciences, community development, and youth development.
2120 Fyffe Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210
(614) 292-6181
ohioline.osu.edu
The OhioHealth WOW mobile unit offers mobile healthcare to deliver primary care, women’s health services, and prenatal services regardless of your ability to pay. Services include annual physicals, immunizations, adult sick visits, chronic condition management, ultrasounds, reproductive care and birth control, lab testing, interpretive services, and more.
(614) 566-9989
ohiohealth.com/in-the-community/our-programs/wellness-on-wheels
This toolkit contains helpful online handouts with nutritional and developmental information for parents and physicians of newborns to teens, to help prevent childhood obesity.
700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 722-4824 or (614) 644-7035
nationwidechildrens.org/ounce-of-prevention
Offers online toolkits to educate the community on the issues of obesity and other negative health outcomes, by offering offering ways to support a healthy diet, creative play, and a creative environment for children’s development and growth. They have many practical tips on nutrition and staying healthy and active.
ohioaap.org/education-cme-moc-ii/parenting-at-mealtime-and-playtime/
Offers a directory of locally-owned and sustainable businesses and a variety of courses on environmental sustainability, nonviolent communication, healthy living, personal finance, and civic engagement. They host regular free and low-cost community events including yoga, bird-watching, mindfulness, and Empathy Calls weekly support group. They also offer opportunities for internship or volunteering.
659 High Street, Worthington, OH 43085
(614) 447-0296
simplyliving.org
A network of partners in the South Side of Columbus working to holistically improve quality of life for residents. Their website has helpful information and resources for finding healthcare and insurance, healthy eating, resilience, mental and physical wellness, and managing chronic conditions. Use their Resource Map to locate resources like food, childcare, healthcare, legal help, and more in the South Side. Go online to contact the organization.
southsidethrive.org
Their website has helpful information about food safety, dietary supplements, food ingredients, and nutrition; drugs, medical devices, radiation-emitting products, vaccines and more.
The website provides food and nutrition information and resources for providers and families. FNS works to end hunger and obesity through the administration of 15 federal nutrition assistance programs.
fns.usda.gov
Provides resources and information for parents and kids ages 8 to 13 on healthy eating, play and physical activity, and screen time.
nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/wecan