{"id":9279,"date":"2024-06-05T16:32:05","date_gmt":"2024-06-05T16:32:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/laprensanewspaper.com\/?p=9279"},"modified":"2024-06-05T16:32:05","modified_gmt":"2024-06-05T16:32:05","slug":"columbus-recreation-and-parks-departments-free-summer-food-program-begins-june-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/laprensanewspaper.com\/index.php\/2024\/06\/05\/columbus-recreation-and-parks-departments-free-summer-food-program-begins-june-3\/","title":{"rendered":"Columbus Recreation and Parks Department\u2019s Free Summer Food Program begins June 3"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>COLUMBUS, May 31, 2024: <\/strong>\u00a0Summer is not all fun and games for some children and youth. During the school year, many children receive free breakfast and lunch. However, during the summer months, these same children struggle to access basic needs such as healthy meals, a safe place to hang out with friends and opportunities to continue learning.<\/p>\n

Since 1970, Columbus Recreation and Parks has fed children\u2019s minds with free meals through\u00a0Go, Lunch!<\/em>, its summer food program. In 2023, the department served 246,068\u00a0meals.<\/p>\n

Meals are served to anyone between the ages of 1-18. Meals are also available for anyone ages 18-21 who has been determined by a state or local public educational agency to be mentally or physically disabled and involved in an independent education program. Families can visit\u00a0ColumbusRecParks.com\/Summer-Food<\/a>\u00a0to learn more about the program and find a location near them.<\/p>\n

Families in need can call 866-3-HUNGRY (Espa\u00f1ol: 877-8-HAMBRE) or text 914-342-7744 with a question that contains a keyword such as \u201cfood,\u201d \u201csummer,\u201d \u201cmeals,\u201d etc.\u00a0and receive a text back that will show free meal sites closest to them.<\/p>\n

Columbus Recreation and Parks will host the\u00a0Go, Lunch!\u00a0<\/em>season kick-off on Thursday, June 13 at Glenwood Pool starting at 12:30 p.m. More information will be shared closer to the event.<\/p>\n

To learn more about\u00a0Go, Lunch!<\/em>\u00a0and Columbus Recreation and Parks\u2019 efforts, visit\u00a0ColumbusRecParks.com\/Summer-Food<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Food Insecurity in Columbus, Central Ohio<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Household food insecurity remains a pervasive problem, according to\u00a0Feeding America\u2019s Map The Meal Gap survey<\/a>.<\/p>\n