Written by Joe Armstrong, Content Specialist, Downtown Main Library
It's hard to learn new things when you're hungry! With school starting across Cincinnati and Hamilton County, we're offering free afterschool meals for kids and teens at select library branches. In partnership with UMC Food Ministry, kids ages 1-18 can enjoy free meals Mondays through Fridays at the Library throughout the school year.
View times and participating branches on our Free Meals webpage.
Afterschool Meals for Kids and Teens
With 15 participating branches, it's easy to find somewhere to enjoy a free, nutritious meal (and get homework done before heading home!).
- Avondale: 3:15-3:45 p.m.
- Bond Hill: 4-5 p.m.
- Cheviot: 3-3:30 p.m.
- College Hill: 3-4 p.m.
- Covedale: 3-4 p.m.
- Elmwood Place: 3:30-4 p.m.
- Groesbeck: 3:15-3:45 p.m. (starts August 21)
- Madisonville: 3:30-4:30 p.m.
- Mt. Healthy: 3:30-4 p.m.
- Northside: 3:30-4 p.m.
- Price Hill: 4-5 p.m.
- Reading: 3:30-4 p.m.
- St. Bernard: 2:45-3:45 p.m.
- Walnut Hills: 3-4 p.m.
- Westwood: 3-3:30 p.m.
Participants must eat their meals at the Library. Meal service locations and serving times are subject to change.
Who is Eligible for Meals
All children ages 1 through 18 are eligible to receive free meals. Individuals ages 19 through 21 who have been identified as having mental or physical disabilities and are following Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) through their current enrollment in educational programs also are eligible for free meals. There are no other eligibility requirements.
About The Meals Service
According to Feeding America, over 30,000 children in Hamilton County live in a food insecure household. That means one in six children are unsure of where their next meal is coming from. Children facing hunger are more likely to struggle with school and exhibit behavioral problems.
The UMC meal service is made possible through federal funding, as part of the USDA's Child Nutrition Programs.
See the latest dates and locations for our Free Meals service on our website.
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