‘Bridge the gap’: Partnership brings free afterschool meals to local kids, teens
Tue, August 25, 2026 at 4:29 PM
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When school is dismissed, not every child who leaves hungry is guaranteed a meal at home. A local partnership is bridging that gap for kids who rely on school to eat. (WKRC)
CINCINNATI (WKRC) – When school is dismissed, not every child who leaves hungry is guaranteed a meal at home
A local partnership is bridging that gap for kids who rely on school to eat. From slicing fruit to packing vegetables, everything happening at UMC Food Ministry in Northern Kentucky will benefit kids across Hamilton County
When school is dismissed, not every child who leaves hungry is guaranteed a meal at home. A local partnership is bridging that gap for kids who rely on school to eat. (WKRC)
The ministry has partnered with the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library for several years, providing free food for kids, especially those who depend on school for most of their meals
“Our meals sort of bridge the gap between the school lunch program and what they may get when they get home later on in the evening,” said Larry Karow, founder & CEO of UMC Food Ministry. “It’s crucial to the kids’ well-being and ability to stay focused and meet their educational, social, and recreational needs.”
According to Feeding America, more than 42,000 kids in Hamilton County live in food-insecure households, meaning one in six children is unsure where their next meal is coming from
Caroline Hoffman, branch supervisor for the library downtown, says interest is strong not just in the food but also in the library as a safe place
“We actually see a lot of kids in here,” Hoffman said. “This is really a space for them in the community.”
When school is dismissed, not every child who leaves hungry is guaranteed a meal at home. A local partnership is bridging that gap for kids who rely on school to eat. (WKRC)
This year, 17 library locations are providing free meals and snacks for kids 18 and under
“I believe we have more branches than ever participating in our after-school meal program,” Hoffman said
People ages 19 to 21 with mental or physical disabilities who are enrolled in individualized educational programs are also eligible. All of this is made possible by federal funding
Afterschool meal locations and times:
- Bond Hill Branch Library: 4–5 p.m.
- Cheviot Branch Library: 3:15–3:45 p.m.
- College Hill Branch Library: 4:15–4:45 p.m.
- Corryville Branch Library: 3:15–3:45 p.m.
- Covedale Branch Library: 3:15–3:45 p.m.
- Downtown Main Library: 4–5 p.m.
- Elmwood Place Branch Library: 3:30–4 p.m.
- Groesbeck Branch Library: 3:15–3:45 p.m.
- Madisonville Branch Library: 3:30–4:30 p.m.
- Mt. Healthy Branch Library: 3–3:45 p.m.
- Northside Branch Library: 3:30–4 p.m.
- Price Hill Branch Library: 4–5 p.m., Monday-Saturday; Snack 7–8 p.m., Monday-Thursday & 11 a.m.–noon on Saturday
- Reading Branch Library: 3:30–4 p.m.
- St. Bernard Branch Library: 2:45–3:45 p.m.
- Walnut Hills Branch Library: 3:15–4 p.m.
- West End Branch Library: 4:15–4:45 p.m.
- Westwood Branch Library: 3:15–3:45 p.m.
Homework help is also available at select locations
- Bond Hill Branch Library: Monday–Thursday, 2-5 p.m.
- College Hill Branch Library: Monday–Thursday, 2-5 p.m.
- Corryville Branch Library: Monday–Thursday, 3-6 p.m.
- Deer Park Branch Library: Monday–Thursday, 3-6 p.m.
- Delhi Township Branch Library: Monday–Thursday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Elmwood Place Branch Library: Hours vary. Contact the branch at 513-369-4452.
- Groesbeck Branch Library: Monday–Thursday, 3-6 p.m.
- Harrison Branch Library: Monday–Thursday, 4-8 p.m.; Friday, 2-6 p.m.
- Madisonville Branch Library: Monday–Thursday, 3-6 p.m.
- Mt. Healthy Branch Library: Monday–Thursday, 3:15-6:15 p.m.
- North Central Branch Library: Monday–Thursday, 3:30-6 p.m.
- Norwood Branch Library: Monday–Thursday, 3-6 p.m.
- Oakley Branch Library: Monday–Thursday, 3-6 p.m.
- Pleasant Ridge Branch Library: Monday & Wednesday, 3-7 p.m.; Thursday, 4-6 p.m.
- Sharonville Branch Library: Monday & Wednesday, 6-9 p.m.; Thursday, 4-7 p.m.
- St. Bernard Branch Library: Monday–Friday, 3-6 p.m.
- Reading Branch Library: Monday–Thursday, 3-6 p.m.
- Walnut Hills Branch Library: Monday & Wednesday–Thursday, 3-6 p.m.
- West End Branch Library: Monday–Wednesday, 3:30-6:30 p.m.
- Westwood Branch Library: Monday, 3:30-7 p.m.; Tuesday–Wednesday, 3:30-6:30 p.m.; Thursday, 3:30-6 p.m.
- Wyoming Branch Library: Monday–Wednesday, 2:30-5:30 p.m.; Friday, 2:30-5:30 p.m.
