Ohio Lt. Governor Jim Tressel and Stephen D. Dackin, Director of the Department of Education and Workforce (DEW), are encouraging families to explore programs available to help address the summer nutrition gap and ensure children receive healthy food when school is not in session.
Lt. Governor Tressel emphasized that summer should be a time for children to learn, grow, and enjoy, with good nutrition playing a vital role in their health and activity. He urged Ohio families to utilize local meal sites and resources, partnering with the Ohio Association of Foodbanks and the Children’s Hunger Alliance to launch a public service announcement.
The SUN Meals program provides free healthy meals and snacks to eligible children aged 18 and under, and individuals with disabilities up to age 21 with approved individualized education programs (IEPs). These meals are available at various community locations, including schools, parks, and libraries. Families can easily locate nearby sites using DEW's interactive Summer Food Service Program site map or by visiting education.ohio.gov/kidseat.
In summer 2025, Ohio's summer programs successfully served over 6 million meals at 1,800 sites across 80 counties. Director Dackin expressed pride in this achievement, stating, "We are proud to work with community partners to build on that success and help ensure students continue to have access to nutritious food that supports student wellness, development, and success."
Additionally, some students receiving SUN Meals may qualify for SUN Bucks, a federal program offering a one-time grocery assistance benefit of $120 for each eligible child. This benefit can be used at grocery stores and other authorized retailers. Michelle M. Brown, Children’s Hunger Alliance President and CEO, noted that these programs are crucial for families facing budget constraints when school meals are unavailable.
For further support, the Ohio Association of Foodbanks and its network of regional foodbanks and pantries provide food and resources to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. Joree Novotny, Executive Director for Ohio Association of Foodbanks, highlighted the importance of strong partnerships in ensuring children remain nourished when school meals are not available.