Connecting Kids to Meals wants to ensure students and families know there are more than 100 sites providing nutritious meals at no cost to youth ages 18 and under in low-income and underserved areas throughout our community.
“As summer school comes to an end for some of our school districts, so does the food service. These changes can create some hardship for local families, so it is imperative to remind our community that many Connecting Kids to Meals sites are strategically positioned across the area for easy access by kids,” said Wendi Huntley, president, Connecting Kids To Meals.
“We know that food insecurity for kids is real, so collaborating with partners and stakeholders is critical.”
A listing of all meal sites can be found at connect ingkidstomeals.org and locations include parks, churches, summer youth programming and other public gathering locations.
Meals also are provided at several Toledo Lucas County Public Library (TLCPL) locations including Birmingham, Heatherdowns, Holland, Kent, Lagrange, Locke, Mott, Reynolds Corners, South, Toledo Heights, Washington and West Toledo.
Additionally, TARTA is offering free rides throughout the summer to help families travel to the libraries.
TLCPL Executive Director Jason Kucsma said, “We see many kids in our branches daily and want to help them in any way we can. Our partnership with Connecting Kids to Meals allows us to expand our resources and make a difference for families here in the 419.”
“TARTA is excited about another year of partnership. With our new mission – Empowering People to Make Connections, TARTA’s commitment to providing safe and accessible transportation for our youth during the summer has never been stronger,” added Kimberly Dunham, TARTA CEO.
This summer as the community continues to navigate through and out of the COVID-19 pandemic, Connecting Kids to Meals expects the daily meal counts the organization provides to be about 5,000 to 6,000 per day.
