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 feed the hungry. In 2022, 1 in 5 Black people in the US experienced food insecurity (Feeding America). Take advantage of these resources and visit these summer meal programs.
Nutritious food is available for people in need all around the city. The following locations provide supplemental meals and snacks for families in need. Support hunger relief and check out these summer meal sites in Cincinnati.
Below is a list of free summer food programs in Cincinnati. Many places are eligible for everyone, but check with the meal sites beforehand.
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 Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library
1740 Langdon Farm Road, 45237 (Bond Hill) – Meal 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. | Snack 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
3711 Robb Avenue, 45211 (Cheviot) – Meal 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
3400 Brookline Avenue, 45220 (Clifton) – Meal 11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
1400 W North Bend Road, 45224 (College Hill) – Meal 1 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
2802 Short Vine Street, 45219 (Corryville) – Meal 12:15 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.
4980 Glenway Avenue, 45238 (Covedale) – Meal 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. | Snack Noon-1 p.m.
4020 E. Galbraith Road, 45236 (Deer Park) – Meal 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
6120 Vine Street, 45216 (Elmwood Place) – Meal 12:30 p.m. – 1 p.m.
660 Northland Boulevard, 45240 (Forest Park) – Meal 1:30 p.m. -2 p.m.
2994 Galbraith Road, 45239 (Groesbeck) – Meal 12:30 p.m. – 1 p.m.
4910 Whetsel Avenue, 45227 (Madisonville) – Meal 2 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
7700 Hamilton Avenue, 45231 (Mt. Healthy) – Meal 3 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
4219 Hamilton Avenue, 45223 (Northside) – Meal 3:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.
970 Purcell Avenue, 45205 (Price Hill) – Meal 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. Monday-Friday & 3:15 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. Saturday | Snack 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. Monday-Friday & 11 a.m. – noon Saturday
10 McClelland Avenue, 45217 (St. Bernard) – Meal 2:15 p.m. – 3 p.m. | Snack 11:15 a.m. – noon
2533 Kemper Lane, 45206 (Walnut Hills) – Meal 3:15 p.m. – 4 p.m.
805 Ezzard Charles Drive, 45203 (West End) – Meal 4 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Snack 1:15 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
3345 Epworth Avenue, 45211 (Westwood) – Meal 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
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 meals and snacks
Participants must eat in the library. Meal service locations and serving times are subject to change.
Summer EBT/SUN Bucks
Eligibility: CPS students who either reside in households that participate in SNAP, OWF, or if income eligible and receiving Medicaid benefits or are approved for free/reduced meal benefits
Free Food Available: Families will receive a one-time benefit of $120 for each eligible child, and participation will not affect children’s or families’ immigration status.
Related Article: Seven Hills Sharp Summer Program for Rising 5th-9th Graders
Free Summer Food in Western Cincinnati
Mt. Healthy High School
8101 Hamilton Avenue, 45231 (Mt. Healthy)
513-728-4969 or 513-728-4972
Eligibility: Children ages 1-18 and individuals aged 19-21 with a current Individualized Education Program
Days: Monday through Thursday
Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. & 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Free Food Available: Free breakfast and lunch
Winton Woods City Schools
1201 W Kemper Road, 45240 (Forest Park) – Mondays and Wednesdays
8 Enfield Street, 45218 (Greenhills) – Tuesdays and Fridays
801 Lakeview Drive, 45231 (Winton Woods) -Thursdays
680 W Sharon Road, 45240 (Forest Park) – Monday – Friday
docter.mark@wintonwoods.org
Eligibility: Children ages 1-18 and individuals aged 19-21 with a current Individualized Education Program
Days: Monday through Friday, through July 24
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Free Food Available: Free breakfast and lunch
Free Summer Food in Northern Cincinnati
Reading Jr/Sr High School
810 E Columbia Avenue, 45215 (Reading)
513-554-1800
Eligibility: Children ages 1-18
Days: Monday through Friday, through August 7
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Free Food Available: Free lunch
Related Article: Summer Camp Reading Program
Free Summer Food in Butler County
Hamilton Fairfield Skate Park at Joyce Park
95 Joe Nuxhall Way, 45015 (Fairfield)
513-858-7128
Eligibility: Children ages 1-18
Days: Mondays, through July 27
Hours: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Free Food Available: Meals to go, includes 7 days of breakfast and lunch per child
Related Article: Kids Eat Free Dine-In Restaurants in Cincinnati
Resources to fight childhood hunger in our community
Food assistance is possible for those in need. For example, Hamilton County has a food assistance program called SNAP, formerly Food Stamps, which helps families access healthier food. SNAP is designed to help low-income and food-insecure families 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 feed hungry children. Don’t be afraid to take advantage of these assistance 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.
Related Article: Seven Hills Academic Readiness Program for Students in Grades 2-4
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Images provided by Adobe Stock
Statistics and definitions provided by Feeding America
