Columbus OH
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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 and TRANSIT ARTS

Community center serving the Near East neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio. They can help families navigate resources to get help with food, healthcare, employment and housing. They offer housing/rent assistance, soft skills training, employment assistance, financial education, and parenting workshops for adults. Programs for youth include after-school programs, Summer Challenge Day Camp for Grades K-5, and childcare through partnership with Columbus Early Learning Centers. The Village Central Senior Program provides transportation services, wellness programs, and social events for adults ages 60+.  ACE, Academy for Community Entrepreneurs, offers technology and professional development classes. TRANSIT ARTS provides free, year-round cultural arts workshops such as dance crew, music, and fine arts for ages 12-21.

  • Central Community House: 1150 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
    (614) 252-3157
    cchouse.org
  • Transit Arts Studio: 294 Wilson Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43205
    Studio Office: (614) 732-0198
    Program Registration: (380) 265-1775
    transitarts.com

Children’s Hunger Alliance (CHA)

Works with schools, community organizations, and child care providers throughout Ohio to increase participation in USDA child nutrition programs. They provide technical assistance to child care providers to help implement programs serving nutritious food. Contact their office for help finding childcare centers and meal programs; including after-school, weekend, and summer programs that offer free food for kids.
Columbus: 1105 Schrock Road, Columbus, Ohio 43229
Cincinnati: 3600 Park 42 Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio 45241
Cleveland: 2800 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115
Toledo: 1715 Indian Wood Circle, Maumee, Ohio 43537
(614) 341-7700
childrenshungeralliance.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, story times for kids, and community events. Programs include:

  • Adaptive Services: Request accommodations, adaptive audio and visual equipment, and large print reading materials.
  • Adult Education:  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.
  • Business & Nonprofit Resource Center: Visit Main Library for access to co-working space, specialized professional help, access to community partners, tools, and resources.
  • Culture Pass: Use your library card to check out a Culture Pass for free admission to a variety of Columbus organizations and events; including Columbus Museum of Art, Franklin Park Conservatory, Columbus Clippers, Columbus Symphony, and more.
  • 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.
  • Notary Service: Free basic notary service with an Ohio Notary Public at most library locations. Schedule an appointment online.
  • 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 Snack times.
  • 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.

Locations:

  • Barnett (Temporary Location): 3227 East Livingston Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43227
  • Canal Winchester: 115 Franklin Street, Canal Winchester, Ohio 43110
  • Driving Park: 1422 Esat Livingston Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43205
  • Dublin: 75 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43017
  • Franklinton: 1061 West Town Street, Columbus, Ohio 43222
  • Gahanna: 310 Granville Street, Gahanna, Ohio 43230
  • Hilliard: 4500 Hickory Chase Way, Hilliard, Ohio 43026
  • Hilltop: 511 South Hague Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43204
  • Karl Road: 5590 Karl Road, Columbus, Ohio 43229
  • Linden (Temporary Location): 1990 Jefferson Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43211
  • Main Library: 96 South Grant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
  • Marion-Franklin: 2800 Lockbourne Road, Columbus, Ohio 43207
  • Martin Luther King: 1467 East Long Street, Columbus, Ohio 43203
  • New Albany: 200 Market Street, New Albany, Ohio 43054
  • Northern Lights: 4093 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43224
  • Northside: 1423 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43201
  • Parsons: 1113 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43206
  • Reynoldsburg: 1402 Brice Road, Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068
  • Shepard: 850 North Nelson Road, Columbus, Ohio 43219
  • South High: 3540 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43207
  • Southeast: 3980 South Hamilton Road, Groveport, Ohio 43125
  • Whetstone: 3909 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43214
  • Whitehall: 4445 Esat Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43213

(614) 645-2275
Upcoming Events: events.columbuslibrary.org/events?
Website: columbuslibrary.org

Columbus Recreation & Parks Go Lunch!

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

Festa

Faith-based organization supporting families impacted by poverty and celebrating cultural diversity. They offer free youth and adult programming, including a three generation family English-learning/ESL program for all ages. Youth programs include the Excelerate young entrepreneur program for children K-8, and a free summer lunch camp. Contact the organization for registration details. They also accept youth and adult volunteers.
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)

Faith-based food pantry working to alleviate hunger for residents of the Gahanna-Jefferson school district or 43230 zip code. No appointment is necessary for pantry services, but ID and address verification is required. Individuals or families can visit two times per month. Locker pickup is available, and delivery is available for those who quality. Additional programs include summer lunches for kids, holiday meal assistance, and weekend supplemental food packs for school-aged kids referred by their school counselor. The pantry also provides diapers for children up to 3-years old. Visit the website for additional details.
161 Granville Street, 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 senior outreach, 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. Some family and youth services require referral from Franklin County Children Services while parenting classes are open to the public. Contact the organization for details.

  • 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

Halt Violence

Non-profit offering mediation, violence intervention services, and mentorship. Develops healthy conflict resolution styles and productive work skills for youth and adults with a history of violent behavior or previous incarceration. If you or someone you know has a problem or conflict in your community that could result in unnecessary violence, call them to see if they can help. They also provide housing assistance for adults who are employed and have a felony criminal record.
East Columbus: 923 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
West/Hilltop: 2360 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43204
(614) 302-1640
haltviolence.org

Healthy New Albany Food Pantry

Serves families and individuals living in the New Albany Plain Local School (NAPLS) District or in the 43054 zip code. Pantry shopping is by appointment only, visit the website or call to schedule an appointment. The pantry provides fresh produce, dairy, meats, other food essentials, and hygiene items. Additional programs include summer meals for kids, English Language Learning programs, and walking club. They also offer a variety of programs and classes open to all for a fee (no residency restrictions) on healthy living topics including chair yoga, girls’ fitness, and more.
150 Main Street, New Albany, Ohio 43054
(614) 413-7907 or (614) 685-6344
newalbanyfoodpantry.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 for programs in Fairfield County. The LSS 211 Information and Referral network can connect you to food pantries and other social services across Franklin County and Ohio.

  • LSS 211 Referral Line & Online Database
    Call 211 or (614) 221-2255
    lssnetworkofhope.org/211centralohio
  • Central Ohio Main Office
    1105 Schrock Rd, Columbus, OH 43229
    (614) 228-5200
    lssnetworkofhope.org
  • Champion Avenue Food Pantry
    1460 South Champion Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43206
    (877) 577-6325
    All Pantry & Produce Locations: lssnetworkofhope.org/foodpantries/locations
    Pantry Registration: lssfoodpantries.org
  • LSS Health Center
    Offers primary care, dental, vision, HIV/STD testing, pharmacy, behavioral healthcare, and substance use disorder (SUD/MAT) treatment.
    245 North Grant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
    (614) 224-0747
    lssnetworkofhope.org/lsshealthcenter
  • Faith Mission Franklin County Homeless Shelter
    Must call Homeless Hotline in advance to be assigned a bed: (614) 274-7000
    217 North Grant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
    Men’s Shelter: 599 East Eighth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201
    lssnetworkofhope.org/faithmission
  • Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)
    Offers emergency shelter beds for veterans and help with housing stability for veteran families.
    (614) 224-6617
  • CHOICES Domestic Violence Services
    Offers temporary housing, counseling, legal services, and peer support for survivors of domestic violence.
    24-hour Domestic Violence Crisis Line: (614) 224-4663
    General: (614) 224-7200
    lssnetworkofhope.org/choices/services

Summer EBT / SUN Bucks (Ohio Summer Food Program)

SUN Bucks and SUN Meals are USDA programs to help families access food during the summer months. Families can participate in both programs. Participation in these programs does not affect families’ immigration status. Families can find additional information from the USDA, or in Ohio, through Children’s Hunger Alliance.

  • SUN Bucks/Summer EBT provides cash benefits for income-eligible families with school-aged children to access groceries 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.
    General Questions (ODJFS Hotline): (866) 244-0071
    Summer EBT Card Questions: (866) 386-3071
    Video: How to Use Produce Perks
    Ohio SUN Bucks/EBT Website: ohiosummerebt.org
    Application Website: ebt.ohio.gov
  • SUN Meals offers free meals and snacks to all kids ages 18 and under at schools, parks, and other eligible community organizations. No application is needed, but families should register with a local summer meal provider. To find meal sites in your community, visit CAP4Kids School & Summer Lunches, use the USDA National Meal Site Finder, or use the USDA Hunger Hotline.USDA Hunger Hotline: (866) 348-6479
    USDA Summer Nutrition Programs Website: fns.usda.gov/summer
    Click Here for 2025 Summer Food Resources for Children Flyer
    Additional Resources from Children’s Hunger Alliance: childrenshungeralliance.org/summer

The Lunchbox Ohio

Serves free lunches to children in the Hilltop neighborhood of Columbus during the summer months. They offer fresh, nutritious meals from their food truck and provide hygiene items as 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. Registered families can shop the choice market online or by phone for curbside pickup. Families may shop once every two weeks. They also provide free summer lunch for children ages 1-18 and Share Bac a Pac for children at risk of hunger on weekends and school breaks. Additional programs include free employment support, financial education, and one-on-one supportive coaching for Seniors, people with disabilities, and others facing financial life challenges. Find full program and eligibility details online.
150 Heatherdown Drive, Westerville, Ohio 43081
Administration: (614) 889-0196
Help Center/Food Assistance Scheduling: (614) 568-8700
warmwesterville.org

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