Columbus libraries, other local organizations step up to serve community lunches, education

The system is broken when children need to go to school in order to be nourished for that day. Even in uncertain times, the Columbus Metropolitan Library, along with other Columbus organizations, stepped up to fix a broken system.

The Summer Lunch program has been bringing Columbus-area kids meals between June and August since 2002. 2020 has been a bit different, however, in that we’ve seen the true giving spirit of Columbus organizations.

“Everybody really stepped up. This year, everybody’s rolled up their sleeves to provide food.”
Kathy Shahbodaghi, public services director at CML

The CML–in partnership with the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department and Children’s Hunger Alliance–are once again supplying a much-needed service. CML usually partners with the Hunger Alliance for a snack program, though they recognized the need to supply meals en masse to students this year.

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Columbus City Schools also served lunch outside of many of their schools during the months when students were out of school due to COVID-19. The Columbus YMCA partnered in feeding Columbus kids during school months as well.

Due to COVID-19, grab-and-go meals are to be eaten at home. Meals include either breakfast and lunch or lunch and a snack. Meals are available Monday-Friday for ages 1-18.

Summer Lunch will be distributed in the parking lots of these nine Columbus Metropolitan Library locations until Aug. 14:

Barnett Branch – 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Driving Park Branch – 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Karl Road Branch – Noon-1 p.m.
Linden Branch – 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Marion-Franklin Branch – 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Northern Lights Branch – 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Shepard Branch – 3-4 p.m.
Southeast Branch – 3-4 p.m.
Whitehall Branch – 10-11 a.m.

Click here for a full map of available meals for kids.

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