April 17, 2025 — A jar of peanut butter might not seem like much, but for a child facing hunger, that jar means a meal, a moment of relief, or a better shot at focusing in school. Columbus City Schools (CCS) in partnership with North Broadway United Methodist Church has helped collect and distribute more than 14,000 food items to families in need, this year alone.

“[We want to] instill in folks the joy of giving and to know that they can make a difference even with a jar of peanut butter,” said Mariann Bush, mission coordinator at North Broadway United Methodist. “Here's a student out there that's going to be hungry,  and this [peanut butter] is going to help get them through the weekends, focus on school, and not be so worried about when they go home, there's no food.”

With the help of community partners like North Broadway United Methodist, schools like Indianola Informal K-8, Clinton Elementary, and Valleyview Elementary students and their families are able to have invaluable meals together on weekends or breaks when school is out. 

“All of our teachers care so much and are trying to work so hard with families,” said Tiffany Alexander, school counselor at Indianola Informal K-8. “We don't always know the circumstances because families that are struggling aren't necessarily communicating as much with the school because they're trying to meet their basic needs. We want our students and families to thrive.”

Food insecurity remains a pervasive issue across the United States. According to a recent study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in 2023, approximately 13.5% of U.S. households experienced food insecurity. These insecurities affect about 13.8 million children. Factors such as rising food prices, economic instability, and the reduction of pandemic-era assistance programs have exacerbated the situation, including here in Columbus.  

Hunger significantly affects students’ ability to learn and perform academically. Access to reliable meals allows students to fully participate in the school day, build stronger relationships with peers and teachers, and reach their academic potential without the distraction of hunger at home.

“Academics are the last thing on a student’s mind if they're trying to meet basic needs,” Alexander said. “Sometimes families are homeless, and those students struggle because they're thinking about what's going to happen this weekend.”

Community partnerships district-wide have helped CCS become more than a school system. These partnerships have turned schools into support networks that address not only educational needs but also the basic necessities of life.

“Students who are fed, clothed, and feel safe, are able to learn and grow,” said Amanda Hughes, family engagement coordinator at CCS. “Relationships between community groups and schools are important because students are part of the community. By partnering with community members and organizations, schools are able to grow the fabric of resources and options available to families.”

With each bag, another jar of peanut butter is packed and quietly handed to a family. It’s one of thousands shared this year to families in need, and it means everything to them. The collaborative effort of our school communities show students that someone sees them, cares for them, and believes in their future.

The following are community organizations that offer support for those experiencing difficulties and are here to help:

The Children's Hunger Alliance offers a range of impactful programs to combat childhood hunger in Ohio. These include after-school and summer meal programs that provide nutritious meals to children in need. 

Website: https://childrenshungeralliance.org/programs/

The Mid-Ohio Food Collective operates a network of food pantries and distribution sites across the city. Through its programs, families can access fresh produce, protein, and pantry staples.

Website: https://mofc.org/

Phone: (14) 782-5503

CAP4Kids (Children's Advocacy Project for Kids) is a valuable resource in Columbus. It offers a comprehensive directory of services and programs available for children and families. From healthcare and mental health services to education and community resources, CAP4Kids provides easily accessible information to help families navigate the often complex landscape of social services. 

General Help Website: https://cap4kids.org/columbus/food/ 

For information on how to get involved with North Broadway United Methodist, please visit their mission and justice site HERE.