According to the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, 1 in 8 people in their service area is food insecure, meaning they do not know where their next meal is coming from. This includes people of all ages.

For some children, school breakfasts and lunches can be the only meals kids and teens have during the day.

Here is a list of free meal programs for youth and adults being offered this summer:

Free lunches for children under 18

The Cleveland Public Library, in partnership with the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, is offering kids summer lunches at all branches.

Anyone 18 and under can go to the youth services department at their neighborhood branch to get a lunch.

Backpack meals will also be available. These free, nutritious meals are available for youth 18 and under. Each pack includes a two-day supply of food, with two breakfasts, two entrees, and two snacks.

Times for meal services may vary by location. Find your local branch here and contact it for more information. 

Meals for adults and families

East Side

Faith Baptist Community Church, at 2355 East 55th St., will be offering free meal programs this summer. Meal times are as follows:

  • Wednesdays: Lunch for anyone following the 11:30 a.m. service. (11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)

Trinity Cathedral, 2230 Euclid Ave., serves lunch every Sunday following service from noon to 1 p.m. 

Bishop William M. Cosgrove Center, 1736 Superior Ave., serves to-go meals for breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday. Meal times are as follows:

  • Breakfast: 8 to 9 a.m.
  • Lunch: Noon to 1:30 p.m. 

West Side

St. Herman House, 4410 Franklin Blvd., offers free meals three times a day throughout the year. Meal times are as follows:

  • Breakfast: 7:30 to 9 a.m.
  • Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to noon
  • Dinner: 5:30 to 6 p.m.

St. Augustine Hunger Center, at 1400 Howard Ave., offers free meals throughout the year. Meal times are as follows: 

  • Sunday: Breakfast only, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  • Monday-Thursday: Breakfast 9 to 10 a.m.; lunch 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; dinner 4 to 5 p.m.
  • Meals are not served on Fridays or Saturdays

St. Malachi Parish, 2459 Washington Ave., offers free meals six days a week. Meal times are as follows: 

  • Monday-Friday:  Brunch 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (takeout only) 
  • Monday dinner: Every Monday from 5 to 7 p.m. (dine in) 
  • Saturday: Breakfast 9 to 11:15 a.m. (dine in)

I.D. is not required, and you do not need to be a Cleveland resident to attend.

Community Reporter (he/him)
I work to gain the trust of Cleveland residents through direct community engagement and storytelling. My goal is to amplify and celebrate the residents and stakeholders who contribute to the success of city neighborhoods. I’m hoping to erase the negative stigma that has been cast on some neighborhoods throughout the years.