Columbus OH
Print This Page

School & Summer Lunches


Andrews House

This community service center provides various free programs for residents of Delaware County. Programs include free takeaway dinners, a legal clinic, a mobile food market, and free summer lunch program for children under 18. Find program details online.
39 West Winter Street, Delaware, Ohio 43015
(740) 369-4520
andrewshouse.org

Central Community House

A neighborhood-based community center that serves the near east and near south neighborhoods of Columbus, Ohio. Programs for families include soft skills training, employment assistance, financial education training, emergency housing/rent assistance, nutrition programs, utility services, health care, parenting workshops and more. They partner with Columbus Early Learning Centers to provide childcare. Programs for youth include after-school, summer day camp for kids ages 5-13, and the TRANSIT ARTS center which provides free music and art classes. Village Central Senior Program helps adults ages 60 and older maintain independence and combat isolation by providing transportation services, wellness programs, home repairs, organized social events, community engagement and more. They also have a business training program called  ACE, Academy for Community Entrepreneurs.
1150 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
Front Desk/Intake: (614) 252-3157
Village Central Senior Program: (614) 545-2703
TRANSIT ARTS: (614) 732-0198
cchouse.org

Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML)

CML is an award-winning library and amazing resource in the community. With 23 locations throughout Franklin County, they provide a lot more than just books, including lots of free online resources, specialized programs, and community events.

  • School Help: K-12 students can get after-school homework help, K-3 students can get extra reading practice with Reading Buddies in person or online, HelpNow offers 24/7 online homework help and test prep, and some locations host After School Snacktimes.
  • Kindergarten Readiness: Find Storytimes, Play to Learn, and Kindergarten readiness classes for ages 0-5. They also have Skill Builder videos with activities you can do together at home.
  • Teen Programs: YouMedia Discord for ages 13-17 to work on music, podcasts, videos, and more with skilled mentors; homework and test prep help, and monthly Teen Spotlight videos.
  • Adult Education: They offer ESOL and GED referrals; free technology business, and coding classes; history and genealogy experts, Digital Navigator staff can help you access hardware and software, and Excel Adult High School allows adults to get their high-school degree in an online, self-paced program.
  • Adaptive Services: Request accommodations, adaptive audio and visual equipment, and large print reading materials.
  • Business & Nonprofit Resource Center: Visit Main Library for access to co-working space, specialized professional help, access to community partners, tools, and resources.

(614) 645-2275
Locations: columbuslibrary.org/library-locations
columbuslibrary.org

Columbus Recreation & Parks Go Lunch!

Provides free breakfast and lunch throughout Columbus from June to August. Youth ages 1 to 18 and youth with disabilities age 19 to 21 are eligible. 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. Some Community Recreation Centers serve free afterschool meals for children up through high school seniors, and provide free food boxes for seniors during the rest of the year. Go online or call to find center locations and program details.
Go Lunch: (614) 645-3642
columbusrecparks.com/wellness/food
Community Center Locations & Contact Information: columbusrecparks.com/facilities/communitycenters

Festa (Formally Known as Serving Our Neighbors (SON) Ministries)

Faith-based nonprofit aiming to end suburban poverty. They offer free youth and adult programming, including a three generation family ESL program, legal clinic, summer camp for children with free breakfast and lunch, and Good Tiding low-cost Christmas store.
Upper Arlington Lutheran Church (UALC) at Mill Run
3500 Mill Run Drive, Hilliard, Ohio 43026
(614) 586-7939
wearefesta.org

Gahanna Residents In Need (GRIN)

A faith-based organization helping alleviate hunger in the 43230 zip code. Programs include food pantry, diapers, summer lunches for kids, and weekend supplemental food packs for school-aged kids. Delivery is available for those who qualify. Visit the website for full pantry hours.
Location: 161 Granville Street, Gahanna, Ohio 43230
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 307563, Gahanna, Ohio 43230
(614) 214-4747
grin4gahanna.org

Gladden Community House

Settlement house located in Franklinton serving zip codes 43222, 43223, and 43215. Programs include parenting classes, senior outreach, a preschool, youth programming and sports, rent and utility assistance, medical appointments with The Breathing Association, and the Gladden Food Pantry. The food pantry provides home delivery for seniors and disabled residents, and diapers.

  • Main Office: 183 Hawkes Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43223
    (614) 227-1600
  • Food Pantry: 318 South Glenwood Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43223
    (614) 228-2498

gladdenhouse.org

Lutheran Social Services (LSS) 211 Central Ohio

Faith-based organization providing a wide range of services across Ohio. Services include Faith Mission homeless shelter, food, health care, affordable senior living and domestic violence help. Visit the website for detailed program information and to find an office near you. The United Way/LSS 211 Information and Referral network can connect you to other social services across Franklin County.

  • LSS 211
    Call 211 or (614) 221-2255
    lssnetworkofhope.org/211centralohio
  • Central Ohio Main Office
    1105 Schrock Rd, Columbus, OH 43229
    (614) 228-5200
  • Food Pantries
    (614) 341-2282 or text ‘Food’ to (614) 702-7772
    Pantry Locations: lssnetworkofhope.org/foodpantries/locations
  • LSS Health Center: Offers primary care, dental, vision, HIV/STD testing, pharmacy, and behavioral health care.
    245 North Grant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
    (614) 224-0747
    lssnetworkofhope.org/lsshealthcenter
  • New to the US Resources
    Anyone can call 211 for help in English or 180 other languages.
    211.org/get-help/new-us
  • Faith Mission Homeless Shelter
    Must call Homeless Hotline in advance to be assigned a bed: (614) 274-7000
    General: (614) 224-6617
    217 North Grant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
    Men’s Shelter: 599 East Eighth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201
  • CHOICES Domestic Violence Services: Offers temporary housing, counseling, legal services, and peer support.
    24-hour Domestic Violence Crisis Line: (614) 224-4663
    General: (614) 224-7200
    lssnetworkofhope.org/choices/services
  • Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF): Serves veterans in need of housing stability.
    (614) 224-6617

lssnetworkofhope.org

Mid-Ohio Market at Columbus State (MOM @CState)

A resource for students and community members to access free, fresh, and shelf-stable food on a regular basis. Shoppers must be income eligible. There is no limit to how many times per month eligible shoppers can visit the Market.  Visit the website for additional information.
400 Grove Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
cscc.edu/services/mid-ohio-market/index.shtml

Summer EBT / SUN Bucks (Ohio Summer Food Program)

Provides grocery benefits for low-income families with school-aged children when school is closed for summer. Families receive a one-time $120 benefit for each eligible child, which is uploaded to the household’s existing Ohio Direction Card, or on a new benefit card mailed to the family. The money can be used for meals at grocery stores, farmers markets or other authorized retailers. Families who already participate in SNAP, Ohio Works First, other Medicaid benefits, or receive free/reduced meal benefits at school are automatically enrolled. New families can use the website to apply and track their application status. Participation in the program does not affect families’ immigration status.
General Questions (ODJFS Hotline): (866) 244-0071
Summer EBT Card Questions: (866) 386-3071
Summer Food Resources Flyer
S-EBT Fact Sheet
Video: How to Use Produce Perks
ohiosummerebt.org
Application Website: sebt.ohio.gov
USDA National Meal Site Finder

The Lunchbox Ohio

Nonprofit serving lunches to school-aged children in the summer months, to help those unable to access summer food programs. They deliver fresh, nutritious meals from their food truck in Hilltop, Franklinton, and South End neighborhoods. They also provide hygiene items when available. They make and sell Hunger Hero bracelets, each bracelet sold provides one week of lunches. Contact them through their website for more information.
thelunchboxohio.org

USDA National Summer Meal Finder

Find free, nutritious breakfasts and lunches for kids during the summer months in your community. Meals are served to kids up to age 18 beginning in May of each year. Families can use the Meal Finder tool to find directions to nearby meal sites, as well as their hours of operation and contact information.
National Hunger Hotline: (866) 348-6479
Español: (877) 842-6273
fns.usda.gov/meals4kids

Westerville Area Resource Ministry (WARM)

Faith-based charity providing food to income-eligible residents of the Westerville City School district. The HOPE program provides one-on-one supportive coaching for Senior adults (age 60+), people with disabilities, and others going through financial and life challenges. They have a free summer lunch program for children ages 1-18, Share Bac A Pac to feed children on weekends and school breaks, and the Way2Work free job training course. The Choice Market allows families to shop the food pantry online or by phone to customize their order. Find program and eligibility details online (if experiencing web issues, try using the mobile version or opening in Chrome).
150 Heatherdown Drive, Westerville, Ohio 43081
Administration: (614) 889-0196
Help Center/Food Assistance Scheduling: (614) 568-8700
warmwesterville.org



Print This Page