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Nutrition


Action for Healthy Kids

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

Allergy & Asthma Network

Provides practical, easy-to-understand information from medical experts on asthma, allergies, food allergies, anaphylaxis, and eczema. Find helpful information for families on topics such as managing symptoms and avoiding triggers, patient assistance programs for medication costs, managing asthma at school, allergies in pregnancy, and more. They also have helpful tools for professionals on research, treatment options, and more.
(800) 878-4403
allergyasthmanetwork.org

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Healthy Children

This website is a great source of verified health information for parents on a wide range of health topics, such as healthy living, family life, immunizations, child development, and medical conditions. They offer articles with topics including safety, fitness, school issues, dating, substance abuse, emotional wellness, psychiatric medications, grief and more. You can also use the website to find a pediatrician in your zip code.
healthychildren.org

American Heart Association

This organization is the publisher for the official guidelines for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC). Use the website to find CPR and Basic Life Support (BLS) trainings near you, or to purchase training materials. They also have helpful information on heart-healthy living (such as eating, fitness, quitting smoking), heart conditions (heart attack and stroke symptoms, congenital heart defects, and more), and tools for healthcare professionals and educators.
(800) 242-8721
Main Website: heart.org
CPR Classes: cpr.heart.org

Choose MyPlate

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

Community Development for All People (CD4AP) & All People’s Fresh Market

This church provides several important community programs in the Merion Village neighborhood of Columbus, along with worship services. Programs include daily Fresh Markets with free produce for income-eligible individuals, nutrition education, free health and wellness classes, community events, an after-school program at Lincoln Park Elementary, Free Store, and ID 4 All People.

  • Parsons Fresh Market:
    946 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43206
    (614) 445-7342
  • Linden Fresh Market:
    1464 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43211
    (614) 298-4192
  • Free Store:
    Accepts donations of gently used clothing and household items. No appointment is required to shop, walk-ins are accepted Tuesday-Saturday. Visit the website for hours.
    946 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, OH 43206
    (614) 443-1713
    4allpeople.org/FreeStore
  • ID 4 All People:
    Helps residents of Columbus attain their Ohio birth certificate and State ID card. They will help you through the application process and cover the costs. No appointment needed, walk-ins are accepted on Mondays. Visit the website for hours.
    4allpeople.org/ID
  • Thrive to 5:
    Supports pregnant parents and families with children under 5 years old through developmental screenings, parenting support, diapers, cribs, and more. Visit the website and complete the online form to get started.
    (614) 620-7888
    4allpeople.org/Thriveto5

Fresh Market Website: heal4allpeople.org/all-people-s-fresh-market
Main Website: 4allpeople.org

Doctor Yum Project Meal-O-Matic

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

Eat Right

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

Ellyn Satter Institute (ESI)

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 & Child Community Engagement Service (FACCES)

Family Adolescent and Child Community Engagement Service (FACCES)  is a non-profit providing support for families 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

Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens

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

Franklinton Farms

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, such as community Tea Time every Thursday.
867 West Town Street, Columbus, Ohio 43222
(614) 233-1887
franklintonfarms.org

GrowIN

Provides programs and education on nutrition, wellness and arts in Columbus. Their programs bring together community members of all ages to participate activities such as crafts, open mics, exercise, nutrition / wellness education and more. Go online to volunteer or find their next event.
https://sites.google.com/view/growin-cbus/home

Healthier With Science!

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

Healthy LifeStars

Combats childhood obesity through programs aimed at teaching youth and families healthy lifestyle habits. They provide free resources for parents, schools, and community organizations such as downloadable lesson plans, activities, and Parent Guides focused on physical activity, healthy eating, and achieving personal goals.
(602) 252-3453
healthylifestars.org

Kids Health

This website offers a broad range of information on many topics for parents:

kidshealth.org

LifeCare Alliance Central Ohio Diabetes Association (CODA)

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

Local Matters Veggie Van

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

Lower Lights Christian Health Center (LLCHC)

Program: Non-profit offering a wide range of services for the entire family including; comprehensive primary care, OB/GYN, dental, vision, pharmacy (prescriptions are available at reduced cost), nutrition and spiritual care. Behavioral health services include psychiatry/medication management, therapeutic clinical counseling, and integrative social work.
Eligibility: Infants, children and adults
Cost: Government insurance (Medicaid, Medicare), Private insurance, Self-pay with sliding fee scale for those without insurance.

  • Lower Lights Health Center
    1160 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43222
  • Lower Lights German Village
    1560 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43207
  • Lower Lights Linden
    2028 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43211
  • Lower Lights Franklinton Central
    777 West State Street, Columbus, OH 43222
  • Lower Lights Westerville
    6000 Cooper Road, Westerville, Ohio 43081
  • Lower Lights Unionstar
    773 Walnut Street, Marysville, Ohio 43040
  • Lower Lights Newark
    69 South Terrace Avenue, Newark, Ohio 43055
  • Community Refugee and Immigration Services
    4645 Executive Drive, Columbus, OH 43220

(614) 274-1455
llchc.org

Market on the Green in Whitehall

An urban farmer’s market based in the Whitehall neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio. Find locally grown produce and specialty, handmade items while listening to music from local performers. The Power of Produce program offers themed activities and nutrition education for kids through partnership with Nationwide Children’s Hospital. The market accepts SNAP/EBT/SUN Bucks, Produce Perks, and credit cards. The market is open most Tuesday evenings during the summer.
4657 East Broad Street, Whitehall, Ohio 43213
whmarketonthegreen.com

Mount Carmel Healthy Living Center

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

Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) Center for Healthy Weight & Nutrition

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.

  • Livingston Ambulatory Center
    380 Butterfly Gardens Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43215
    (614) 722-2000
  • Hilliard Close To Home Center
    4363 All Seasons Drive, Hilliard, Ohio 43026
    (614) 355-5900
  • Westerville Close To Home Center
    433 North Cleveland Avenue, Westerville, Ohio 43082
    (614) 355-8300
  • Westerville Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center
    584 County Line Road West, Westerville, Ohio 43082
    (614) 355-6000

(614) 722-4824
nationwidechildrens.org/center-for-healthy-weight-nutrition

Nemours Teens Health

This website has a lot of information for teens that covers various health topics such as depression, relationships, staying safe, sexual health, smoking, coping with cliques, binge drinking, dealing with an alcoholic parent, marijuana use, body image and much more. There is also information for parents and educators.
kidshealth.org/en/teens

Ohio Expanded Food & Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP)

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

Ohio State University (OSU) Extension

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

Ohio State University (OSU) Extension: Ohioline

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

OhioHealth Wellness on Wheels (WOW): Women’s Health & Prenatal Care

The OhioHealth WOW mobile unit offers mobile healthcare to deliver primary care, women’s health services, and prenatal services regardless of 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.

Primary Care Locations:

  • Hilltop YMCA: 2879 Valleyview Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43204
  • Linden Opportunity Center: 1350 Briarwood Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43211
  • Van Buren Shelter: 595 Van Buren Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43223

Women’s Health Locations:

  • Directions for Youth: 3840 Kimberly Parkway, Columbus, Ohio 43232
  • East High School: 1500 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
  • 3830 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, Ohio 43214
  • Linden Opportunity Center (see above)
  • Northland High School: 1919 Northcliff Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43229
  • South High School: 1160 Ann Street, Columbus, Ohio 43206
  • Van Buren Shelter (see above)
  • Walnut Ridge High School: 4841 East Livingston Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43227

Meigs, Noble, Perry, and Vinton Counties: coming in 2025
Call (740) 331-7373 for details

(614) 566-9989
ohiohealth.com/in-the-community/our-programs/wellness-on-wheels

Ounce of Prevention

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

Parenting at Mealtime and Playtime

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/

Sesame Street in the Communities

Provides information and videos to help children thrive and deal with issues that affect children’s lives. Resource topics include health and wellness, social-emotional skills, trauma, diversity and inclusion, and school readiness. They offer videos, games, and worksheets for children to explore, and free webinars for parents and educators.

Sesame for Families: sesameworkshop.org/resources
sesamestreet.org/home

Simply Living in Worthington

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

South Side Thrive

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, 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

U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)

Their website has helpful information about food safety, dietary supplements, food ingredients, and nutrition; drugs, medical devices, radiation-emitting products, vaccines and more.

  • Report a problem with FDA-regulated products: (888) 463-6332
  • To report an emergency involving food, drugs, medical devices, dietary supplements, or cosmetics: (866) 300-4374

fda.gov

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food & Nutrition Service (FNS)

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

We Can!

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



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