Connecting Kids to Meals offering multiple sites to feed kids

        Connecting Kids to Meals is seeking to ensure students and families know there are more than 100 sites providing nutritious meals at no cost to kids ages 18 and under in low-income and underserved areas throughout our community.
        “As 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. We know that food insecurity for kids is real, so collaborating with partners and stakeholders is critical,” said Wendi Huntley, president, Connecting Kids To Meals.
        A listing of all meal sites can be found at connectingkidstomeals.org. Locations include parks, churches, summer youth programming and other public gathering locations. Meals are also provided at several Toledo Lucas County Public Library (TLCPL) locations including Birmingham, Locke, Mott and others. Additionally, TARTA is offering free rides  throughout the summer to help families travel to library locations.
        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 A. Dunham, CEO, TARTA.
        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.
        With about 60,000 kids qualifying for free or reduced meals at school (meaning the families live near or below the poverty level), once school ends, thousands of kids rely on Connecting Kids to Meals as it is the largest provider of healthy meals to kids in the summer.
        The organization has been feeding hungry, at-risk kids for more than 18 years. To learn more, visit connectingkidstomeals.org or call 419-720-1106.