Where to find free meals for kids this summer

Nationwide, food insecurity in 2022 was disproportionately higher among children — 18.5% versus 13.5% among the overall population.

Driving the news: The USDA's summer food program — now called SUN Meals — is once again providing meals across Central Ohio this year.

• It helps bridge the summer gap for kids, including Columbus City Schools students, who are eligible for free breakfast and lunch every day at school the rest of the year.

Zoom in: Participating meal locations include schools, libraries , churches, apartment complexes, parks and community centers .

• A kickoff event is at 12:30pm today at Glenwood Pool, 1888 Fairmont Ave.
• Check out the state's interactive map of sites .

Plus: A new federal program called SUN Bucks is providing $120 per child this summer to help qualifying families buy groceries.

• Households that receive free or reduced school meals or SNAP benefits will receive the funds automatically.
• See if you qualify .