Summer break is almost here, and that also means the return of one of the Columbus Metropolitan Library’s most impactful community programs.
Beginning June 1, Columbus Metropolitan Library is partnering with Children’s Hunger Alliance to provide free meals for children and teens at 19 library locations across Central Ohio.
The annual Summer Meals program serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks to anyone 18 years old and younger while school is out for the summer. According to the library system, the partnership helps provide more than 100,000 meals and after-school snacks each year.
“Every child deserves access to nutritious meals, especially when school is out for the summer,” said CML CEO Lauren Hagan in a statement announcing the program. “These free meals do more than fight hunger — they strengthen families, support learning, and ensure our libraries remain welcoming community spaces where every child can thrive.”
Participating locations include branches across Columbus, Whitehall, Reynoldsburg, Canal Winchester, and more, with meal service schedules varying by location.
Some branches will offer breakfast and lunch service, while others provide dinner or cold grab-and-go meal options. Meals must be eaten on site due to USDA regulations.
Among the participating branches are:
- Main Library
- Whetstone Branch
- Hilltop Branch
- Linden Branch
- Whitehall Branch
The Summer Meals program runs through the start of the school year in each district. Families can find the full meal schedule and participating branch information through the library’s summer meals page.
