Cincinnati is answering child hunger. Check out these free summer food distribution sites for kids in Cincinnati.
Free summer food sites are incredible resources that should be taken advantage of. Over 80,000 children in Cincinnati do not know where their next meal is coming from (Freestore Foodbank). Take advantage of these resources and visit these summer meal programs in 2023.
Are you struggling to find free meals for children? Are you looking for places where a child can receive a free meal this summer? Check out this list of sites that offer free summer food for youth.
Also, consider hosting a food drive within your community. Ending child hunger in Cincinnati will be much easier with a collaborative effort. Many organizations are willing to accept donations. Organizations, such as Feeding America, allow you to donate money to help feed hungry children.
Below is a list of summer meal programs in Cincinnati. Many places are eligible for everyone but check with the meal sites beforehand. Feel free to use this free summer meal finder provided by the USDA to help find more.
This article is as current as the publication date. Readers are encouraged to confirm the information before acting.
Free Summer Food Distribution in Cincinnati
UMC Ministry with the Public Library
Various Locations
859-757-5416
Eligibility: Children ages 1-18 and individuals aged 19-21 with a current Individualized Education Program
Days: Mondays through Fridays
Hours: Varies by location
Free Food Available: Free lunch and snacks
Participants must eat in the library. Check each location for specific times.
Northern Cincinnati
Reading JR/SR High School
810 E Columbia Ave, Reading, OH 45215 (Reading)
937-890-3725
Eligibility: Children ages 1-18
Days: Monday through Friday
Hours: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Free Food Available: Free lunch
Pleasant Ridge Recreation Center
5915 Ridge Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45213 (Pleasant Ridge)
859-757-5416
Eligibility: Children ages 1-18 and individuals aged 19-21 with a current Individualized Education Program
Days: Monday through Friday
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and Noon to 12:30 p.m.
Free Food Available: Free breakfast and lunch
Bi-Okoto Cultural Center
5601 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45212 (Pleasant Ridge)
513-967-9562
Eligibility: Children ages 1-18
Days: Monday through Friday
Hours: 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. & Noon to 1 p.m.
Free Food Available: Free breakfast and lunch
Bond Hill Recreation Center
1501 Elizabeth Pl, Cincinnati, OH 45237 (Bond Hill)
859-757-5416
Eligibility: with a current Individualized
Days:
Hours: 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Free Food Available:
Hunger in America and lack of food resources has been a problem spanning decades. Food insecurity is the lack of access to quality, nutritious food. Some neighborhoods in Cincinnati have become food deserts, making it hard to get healthy food for children. These free summer food sites will help your child get the necessary food and nutrients. Finding food that helps your child grow is essential, whether it’s perishable or canned.
Central Cincinnati
Over the Rhine Recreation Center
1715 Republic St, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (O.T.R.)
859-757-5416
Eligibility: Children ages 1-18 and individuals aged 19-21 with a current Individualized Education Program
Days: Monday through Friday
Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. and Noon to 12:30 p.m.
Free Food Available: Free breakfast and lunch
Innovation Hub
3494 Reading Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45229 (Avondale)
859-757-5416
Eligibility: Children ages 1-18 and individuals aged 19-21 with a current Individualized Education Program
Days: Monday to Friday
Hours: 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
Free Food Available: Free snack and dinner
Christ Temple Full Gospel Baptist Church
3060 Durrell Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45207 (Evanston)
513-967-9562
Eligibility: Children ages 1-18
Days: Monday through Friday
Hours: 8:15 a.m. to 9 a.m. and Noon to 12:45 p.m.
Free Food Available: Free breakfast and lunch
Bush Recreation Center
2640 Kemper Ln, Cincinnati, OH 45206 (Evanston)
859-757-5416
Eligibility: Children ages 1-18 and individuals aged 19-21 with a current Individualized Education Program
Days: Monday through Friday
Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.-5 p.m.
Free Food Available: Free breakfast and dinner
Evanston Recreation Center
3204 Woodburn Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45207 (Evanston)
859-757-5416
Eligibility: Children ages 1-18 and individuals aged 19-21 with a current Individualized Education Program
Days: Monday through Friday
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.
Free Food Available: Free breakfast and dinner
Music Resource Center 1
3032 Woodburn Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45206 (Evanston)
859-757-5416
Eligibility: Children ages 1-18 and individuals aged 19-21 with a current Individualized Education Program
Days: Monday through Friday
Hours: 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Free Food Available: Free lunch and snacks
Lincoln Recreation Center
1027 Linn St, Cincinnati, OH 45203 (West End)
859-757-5416
Eligibility: Children ages 1-18 and individuals aged 19-21 with a current Individualized Education Program
Days: Monday through Friday
Hours: 8:15 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Free Food Available: Free breakfast and lunch
Bright Star Baptist Church
809 Charlotte St, Cincinnati, OH 45214 (West End)
513-967-9562
Eligibility: Children ages 1-18
Days: Monday through Friday
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and Noon to 1 p.m.
Free Food Available: Free breakfast and lunch
Related Article: Seven Hills Sharp Summer Program for Rising 5th-9th Graders
East Cincinnati
Madisonville Recreation Center
5320 Stewart Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45227 (Madisonville)
859-757-5416
Eligibility: Children ages 1-18 and individuals aged 19-21 with a current Individualized Education Program
Days: Monday through Friday
Hours: 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. & Noon to 1 p.m.
Free Food Available: Free breakfast and lunch
Mt. Washington Recreation Center
1715 Beacon St Cincinnati, OH 45230 (Mt. Washington)
859-757-5416
Eligibility: Children ages 1-18 and individuals aged 19-21 with a current Individualized Education Program
Days: Monday through Friday
Hours: Noon to 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Free Food Available: Free lunch and snack
Mt. Washington United Methodist Church
6365 Corbly Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45230 (Mt. Washington)
513-231-3946
Eligibility: Children ages 1-18
Days: Wednesday
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Free Food Available: Free lunch
Mt. Washington School
1730 Mears Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45230 (Mt. Washington)
513-967-9562
Eligibility: Children ages 1-18
Days: Monday through Friday
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and Noon to 12:30 p.m.
Free Food Available: Free breakfast and lunch
Related Article: Summer Camp Reading Program
The demand for food has increased by nearly 60% since the COVID-19 pandemic. These free summer food sites are essential to lower this percentage. Free summer food sites are a powerful resource to ensure Cincinnati’s children’s health. Many of these sites are community food organizations that are easily accessible. See if you can donate food to help support these organizations.
Western Cincinnati
Idea Public Schools
1011 Glendale-Milford Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45215 (Woodlawn)
513-991-7445
Eligibility: Children ages 1-18
Days: Monday through Thursday
Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Free Food Available: Free breakfast and lunch
Woodlawn Parks and Recreation
10141 Woodlawn Blvd Cincinnati, OH 45215 (Woodlawn)
513-482-4507
Eligibility: Children ages 2-18
Days: Monday through Friday
Hours: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Free Food Available: Free lunch
KUUMBA
10050 Woodlawn Blvd, Woodlawn, Ohio 45215 (Woodlawn)
513-295-5939
Eligibility: Children ages 1-18
Days/Hours: Monday through Friday
Hours: 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. and Noon to 1 p.m.
Free Food Available: Free breakfast and lunch
Hartwell UMC
8275 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45216 (Hartwell)
859-757-5416
Eligibility: Children ages 1-18 and individuals aged 19-21 with a current Individualized Education Program
Days: Monday through Friday
Hours: 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Free Food Available: Free lunch and snacks
Lincoln Heights Outreach Enrichment Program
1113 Adams St, Lincoln Heights, OH 45215 (Lincoln Heights)
513- 744-6260
Eligibility: Children ages 1-18 who reside in Hamilton County and are a part of the summer enrichment
Days: Monday through Friday
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Free Food Available: Free breakfast and lunch
Forest Park Apartments
680 West Sharon Road Cincinnati, OH 45240 (Forest Park)
513-619-2480
Eligibility: Children ages 1-18
Days: Monday through Friday
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Free Food Available: Free lunch
College Hill Recreation Center
5545 Belmont Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45224 (College Hill)
859-757-5416
Eligibility: Children ages 1-18 and individuals aged 19-21 with a current Individualized Education Program
Days: Monday through Friday
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. & 12:15 p.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Free Food Available: Free breakfast and lunch
Related Article: Seven Hills Academic Readiness Program for Students in Grades 2-4
Millvale Recreation Center
3303 Beekman St, Cincinnati, OH 45223 (Millvale)
859-757-5416
Eligibility: Children ages 1-18 and individuals aged 19-21 with a current Individualized Education Program
Days: Monday through Friday
Hours: 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. & 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Free Food Available: Free breakfast and dinner
Price Hill Recreation Center
959 Hawthorne Ave Cincinnati, OH 45205 (West Price Hill)
859-757-5416
Eligibility: Children ages 1-18 and individuals aged 19-21 with a current Individualized Education Program
Days: Monday through Friday
Hours: 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Free Food Available: Free breakfast and dinner
Westwood Town Hall Recreation Center
3017 Harrison Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45211 (Westwood)
859-757-5416
Eligibility: Children ages 1-18 and individuals aged 19-21 with a current Individualized Education Program
Days: Monday through Friday
Hours: 8:45 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. and 3:45 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Free Food Available: Free breakfast and dinner
HHMM Autumn Woods
1920 Colony Drive Cincinnati, OH 45205 (Western Hills)
513-482-4507
Eligibility: Children ages 1-18
Days: Tuesday
Hours: 11 a.m. to Noon
Free Food Available: Free lunch
Redefined Studios
9529 Pippin Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45231 (Northbrook)
513-407-8005
Eligibility: Children ages 1-18
Days: Monday through Friday
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and Noon to 12:30 p.m.
Free Food Available: Free breakfast and lunch
Need help getting fresh fruits and vegetables? Check out these food pantries and soup kitchens in Cincinnati. These food banks help to end hunger in our community and support families in need. These local food banks ensure hunger relief in our community. Whether you need emergency food or supplemental items for nutritious meals, there is a food pantry for your needs.
Butler County
Lindenwald UMC
3501 Pleasant Ave, Hamilton, OH 45015 (Hamilton)
859-757-5416
Eligibility: Children ages 1-18
Days: Sunday through Friday
Hours: 12 p.m.-12:30 p.m.
Free Food Available: Free lunch
Princeton Village Trailer Park
8953 Princeton Glendale Rd, West Chester Township, OH 45011 (West Chester)
513-644-1163
Eligibility: Children ages 1-18
Days: Monday through Friday
Hours: 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Free Food Available: Free lunch
Wilbraham
3101 Wilbraham Rd, Middletown, OH 45042 (Middletown)
513-849-1339
Eligibility: Children ages 1-18
Days: Monday through Friday
Hours: 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Free Food Available: Free lunch
Damon Park
1500 Pershing Ave, Middletown, OH 45044 (Middletown)
513-849-1339
Eligibility: Children ages 1-18
Days: Monday through Friday
Hours: Noon to 12:30 p.m.
Free Food Available: Free lunch
Douglass Park
1825 Minnesota St, Middletown, OH 45044 (Middletown)
513-849-1339
Eligibility: Children ages 1-18
Days: Monday through Friday
Hours: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Free Food Available: Free lunch
Oakland Park
519 Baltimore St, Middletown, OH 45044 (Middletown)
513-849-1339
Eligibility: Children ages 1-18
Days: Monday through Friday
Hours: 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Free Food Available: Free lunch
Smith Park
500 Tytus Ave, Middletown, OH 45042 (Middletown)
513-849-1339
Eligibility: Children ages 1-18
Days: Monday through Friday
Hours: Noon to 12:30 p.m.
Free Food Available: Free lunch
Related Article: Kids Eat Free Dine-In Restaurants in Cincinnati
First Avenue Food Distribution Center
1914 First Ave, Middletown, OH 45044 (Middletown)
513-849-1339
Eligibility: Children ages 1-18
Days: Monday through Friday
Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to Noon
Free Food Available: Free breakfast and lunch
Lakefront at West Chester
4637 Wyndtree Dr, West Chester, OH 45069 (West Chester)
513-644-1163
Eligibility: Children ages 1-18
Days: Monday through Friday
Hours: 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Free Food Available: Free lunch
Meadow Ridge Apartments
5270 Aster Park Dr, West Chester, OH 45069 (West Chester)
513-644-1163
Eligibility: Children ages 1-18
Days: Monday through Friday
Hours: 11:10 a.m. to 11:40 a.m.
Free Food Available: Free lunch
Deerfield Estates
2702 Tylersville Rd, Fairfield Township, OH 45015 (Fairfield)
513-858-7128
Eligibility: Children ages 1-18
Days: Tuesdays and Thursdays
Hours: 1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.
Free Food Available: Free lunch
Fairfield Acres
94 Sammy Dr, Fairfield, OH 45014 (Fairfield)
513-858-7128
Eligibility: Children ages 1-18
Days: Mondays and Wednesdays
Hours: 1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.
Free Food Available: Free lunch
East Butler County YMCA
6645 Morris Rd, Fairfield Township, OH, 45011 (Fairfield)
513-858-7128
Eligibility: Children ages 1-18
Days: Tuesdays and Thursdays
Hours: Noon to 12:45 p.m.
Free Food Available: Free lunch
Fairfield Aquatic Center
2605 Augusta Blvd, Fairfield, OH 45014 (Fairfield)
513-858-7128
Eligibility: Children ages 1-18
Days: Mondays and Wednesdays
Hours: Noon to 12:45 p.m.
Free Food Available: Free lunch
Related Article: Children’s Movies and TV Shows that are free to stream
Food assistance is possible for those in need. For example, Hamilton County has an assistance program called SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, that helps families access healthier food. SNAP is designed to support low-income and food-insecure families to get more nutritious groceries. Some charities, such as the Children’s Hunger Alliance, specialize in food insecurity advocacy. Children’s Hunger Alliance helps distribute food to schools and other organizations so they can give food donations to hungry children. Don’t be afraid to take advantage of these food programs.
Did we miss any summer meal programs in Cincinnati? Please leave a comment and get them added to our Youth Food Distribution list. No child should go hungry this summer. Take advantage of these free food meal sites in Cincinnati.
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Images provided by Adobe Stock
Statistics and definitions provided by Freestore Foodbank