Free lunches are available this summer for children ages 1-18 thanks to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce.
The SUN meals summer food program will provide meals to kids at participating sites all over Cleveland and Cuyahoga County.
People who are 19 to 21 years old, currently enrolled in an educational or training program, and who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP), are also eligible for free summer meals.
The Cleveland Public Library system will host free lunches for kids at all of its branches Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. until Aug. 8. Lunches are served on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information on lunches at the libraries, call (216) 738-2127.
Here are some other places you can go to find free summer lunches for kids:
In Central:
East Tech Teen Center
Where: 2439 E. 55th St., Cleveland
When: Breakfast 9 – 10 a.m., lunch from noon – 1:00 p.m. Monday – Friday
What to know: The Teen Center is part of the Boys and Girls Club and East Tech High School.
Questions? Call 216-491-0699
Ka-La Healing Garden Center
Where: 2251 East 73rd St., Cleveland
When: Breakfast – 9 a.m., Lunch – noon
What to know: The garden center is an urban farm and offers workshops in agriculture and personal development.
Questions? Call 216-224-9397
In Clark-Fulton:
Trent Park
Where: 3850 Newark Ave., Cleveland
When: Noon – 12:30 p.m. Monday – Friday
What to know: The park also has a playground area for kids.
Questions? Call 216-664-2000 or 614-927-0313
Scranton Road Ministries
Where: 3095 Scranton Rd., Cleveland
When: Breakfast 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m., lunch from noon – 1 p.m. Monday – Thursday
What to know: Scranton Road Ministries also has a legal clinic open Tuesday – Thursday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Complete an intake form here.
Questions? Call 216-861-5323
In Collinwood:
Collinwood Recreation Center
Where: 16300 Lakeshore Blvd., Cleveland
When: 12:30 – 1 p.m. Monday – Saturday
What to know: Participating city rec centers also serve lunches on Saturdays
Questions? Call 216-420-8323
Salvation Army
Where: 17625 Grovewood Ave., Cleveland
When: Noon – 1 p.m. Monday – Friday
What to know: The Salvation Army also has a 18+ Adult Open Gym in its fitness center from Noon – 3 p.m. Monday – Friday
Questions? Call 216-692-1388
In Mt. Pleasant:
Thea Bowman Center
Where: 11901 Oakfield Ave., Cleveland
When: Breakfast 9 – 10 a.m., lunch from noon – 1p.m. Monday – Thursday
What to know: The Thea Bowman Center also has a food pantry open every Saturday from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Questions? Call 216-491-0699
In Union-Miles:
Just Believe Life Enhancement Services
Where: 9250 Miles Park Ave., Cleveland
When: Breakfast from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m., lunch from noon – 1 p.m., Monday – Friday
What to know: Just Believe provides mental health services, mobile outreach and early intervention counseling for children.
Questions? Call 216-762-0144
Earle B. Turner Recreation Center
Where: 11300 Miles Ave., Cleveland
When: Noon – 1:00 p.m. Monday – Saturday
What to know: Bring your bathing suit! This rec center also has a pool with open classes for swimmers of all ages and experience levels.
Questions? Call 216-420-8358
In Beachwood:
University Hospitals Ahuja Medical Center
Where: 3999 Richmond Rd., Beachwood
When: 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Mon. – Fri.
What to know: Lunches are served over an extended time to prevent heavy traffic during business hours
Questions? Call 216-488-5627
In Maple Hts.:
Maple Heights Public Library
Where: 5225 Library Lane, Maple Heights
When: 3 – 4 p.m. Monday – Friday
What to know: Maple Heights Public Library is part of the Cuyahoga County Public Library system and serves late lunches.
Questions? Call 216-475-5000
In Parma:
Parma Community Elementary
Where: 7667 Day Dr., Parma
When: Breakfast 9 – 10 a.m., lunch from 11 a.m. – noon, Monday – Thursday
What to know: Parma Community is part of Constellation Schools, a network of public charter schools with four facilities in the Parma area.
Questions? Call 216-712-7600
In the Metroparks:
Hemlock Creek Picnic Area
Where: 14800 Button Rd., Walton Hills
When: 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Thursdays
What to know: Picnic in the park? The Cleveland Metroparks’ mobile outreach unit will be serving meals in the parking area of Hemlock Creek’s picnic spot.
Questions? Call 216-635-3200
Euclid Creek Reservation
Where: 850 Euclid Creek Parkway, Cleveland
When: 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m Wednesdays
What to know: Lunches will be served next to Euclid Heritage Park.
Questions? Call 216-635-3200