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Columbus City Schools Distributes Food to Families in Need

food distribution for CCS snap families

Columbus City Schools, City of Columbus, and Franklin County Unite to Support Families Impacted by Federal SNAP Suspension

November 07, 2025 – With thousands of families facing food insecurity, Columbus City Schools (CCS) is taking swift action to ensure no child goes hungry. As part of a regional partnership, CCS will open five food distribution sites at schools beginning Friday, November 7, with plans to continue weekly if necessary. Through a $125,000 grant from the City of Columbus, the District and its partners will distribute more than 46,000 ready-to-eat meals each week to families in need.

"At Columbus City Schools, we believe that every student deserves stability, nourishment, and the chance to focus on learning, not hunger," said Columbus City Schools Superintendent/CEO Dr. Angela Chapman. "We'll continue to advocate for our families and work with community partners to make sure support and resources are within reach."

CCS is joining forces with the City of Columbus, the Franklin County Board of Commissioners, and local community partners to support students and families affected by the suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits caused by the ongoing federal government shutdown. 

Meal Pickup Details

Date: Friday, November 7

Time: 4 – 6 p.m.
Locations:

  • Columbus International High School – 4077 Karl Rd.
  • Linden McKinley STEM Academy – 1320 Duxberry Ave.
  • South High School – 1160 Ann St.
  • Walnut Ridge High School – 4841 E. Livingston Ave.
  • West High School – 179 S. Powell Ave.

Each meal has a 120-day shelf life, ensuring families can count on stable food access for the months ahead. CCS staff members will volunteer at each site to assist with distribution. In addition, CCS employees will host turkey drives at eight school sites later this month to provide families with holiday meals and promote community care.

Columbus City Schools serves nearly 47,000 students, all of whom receive free breakfast and lunch through the Community Eligibility Provision. Nearly 20,000 CCS families are enrolled in SNAP. For many, school meals are a critical source of daily nutrition. The disruption of SNAP benefits threatens to deepen food insecurity and directly impact students’ ability to learn, focus, and thrive.

Columbus City Schools and the City of Columbus remain steadfast in their shared mission to serve families beyond the classroom. By providing access to food and resources, the District continues its commitment to growing minds, bodies, and futures, proving once again that when Columbus stands together, every student’s well-being comes first.