Free Summer Food for Kids in Cincinnati

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

Avondale, Bond Hill, Cheviot, Clifton, College Hill, Corryville, Covedale, Deer Park, Elmwood Place, Forest Park, Groesbeck, Madisonville, Mt. Healthy, Northside, Price Hill, St. Bernard, Walnut Hills, West End, Westwood
513-369-6900
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. Check each location for specific times. On Saturday, select branches have food or snacks available.

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

Young Black girl holding an apple that she got in a free summer food program — Black and Latino children are twice as likely to experience hunger. These sites are essential to the fight against hunger and are a powerful resource for ensuring Cincinnati’s children’s health.

Free Summer Food in Central Cincinnati

Faith Temple Ministries

825 Rockdale Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45229 (Avondale)
513-341-5495
Eligibility: Children ages 1-18
Days: Mondays and Wednesdays
Hours: Noon to 3 p.m.
Free Food Available: Free lunch and snack

Free Summer Food in Western Cincinnati

Mt. Healthy High School

8101 Hamilton Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45231 (Mt. Healthy)
513-742-6003
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 Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45240 (Greenhills), 8 Enfield St, Cincinnati, OH 45218 (Greenhills), 10245 Winton Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45231 (Wildbrook Acres), and 680 W Sharon Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45240 (Parkdale)
[email protected]
Eligibility: Children ages 1-18
Days: Monday through Friday
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Free Food Available: Free breakfast and lunch

Young Black girl holding vegetables she got from a food pantry — Need help getting fresh fruits and vegetables? Check out these **food pantries and soup kitchens in Cincinnati**. These local food banks can provide canned goods, nutritious meals, and more to end hunger.

Free Summer Food in Northern Cincinnati

Reading Jr/Sr High School

810 E Columbia Ave, Reading, OH 45215 (Reading)
513-554-1800
Eligibility: Children ages 1-18
Days: Monday through Friday
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Free Food Available: Free lunch

Free Summer Food in Butler County

Hamilton Fairfield Skate Park at Joyce Park

95 Joe Nuxhall Way, Hamilton, OH 45015 (Fairfield)
513-858-7128
Eligibility: Children ages 1-18
Days: Mondays and Thursdays
Hours: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Free Food Available: Meals to go

Black Father holding Black child with apples — Some neighborhoods in Cincinnati have become food deserts, making it hard for children to get healthy food. These resources help your child get the necessary food and nutrients.

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.

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