LORAIN, Ohio — The summer months are a challenging time of year for many Ohio students who have limited or no access to the school breakfast and lunch programs.
Some people and organizations across the state have stepped up to help fight childhood hunger, like Katie Cooley with the Lorain Public Library system.
She is in charge of the library’s Summer Lunch for Kids Program.
Cooley explained that 50% or more of the students in Lorain City School District qualify for free lunch.
“Unfortunately, Lorain County does have a higher need, income wise,” Cooley said. “If you don’t know where your next meal is coming from, that can be a really overwhelming and scary.”
The library is offering free meals—Monday through Friday—all summer long for anyone under 18-years-old at several of their locations.
They are not only providing meals, but are giving kids a safe space to hang out. Every day, they will have games and activities for them to enjoy during their lunch.
This is through a federal nutrition program administered by the Ohio Department of Education.
“I had to take a course through the ODE to get certified as the site supervisor,” she explained. “It really gives us an opportunity to get to know the kids a lot better in the community.”
There are several locations serving lunch through this program throughout the state.
