SOLVING HUNGER IN OHIO

"Imagine knowing that a storm was coming and you were seeking shelter. Imagine how worried you would be until you found that shelter. Shelter to keep your physical body from harm, shelter for those you love, shelter for peace of mind and security. That’s what a school meal represents to a child and their families. Healthy food for young bodies, ease on a parent’s mind that their child is being fed and a sense of security for the child that they know where their next meal is coming from. Never underestimate the power that food can provide."

“To ensure that all Ohio children are on a pathway to success, we must first ensure that their basic needs are met. This must be Ohio's first priority and making schools hunger-free is an obtainable goal.”

“Ohio's educators know that healthy meals are essential for student learning. That's why the Ohio Education Association, representing 120,000 teachers and education support professionals from across the state, is proud to support the campaign for Healthy School Meals for All in Ohio.”

"Because school meals comprise the main source of food for many children in Ohio, healthy school meals can and should contribute significantly to children’s overall diet quality. This is especially true for children from low-income families. It is unacceptable that due to a family's economic status many children, and the adults in their families, do not have healthy food in their meals."

"Healthy foods are the cornerstone of not just physical health, but mental and emotional health. All children, no matter where they are born or raised, deserve access to high quality meals in school, and at home. We support all initiatives that help ensure this is the case."

"The cafeteria is the largest classroom in school. Just as every student recieves textbooks and transportation, every student should recieve a healthy breakfast and lunch at school."

"As people of faith, we believe that every child should have a full belly each day so that they can fill their minds."

"Feeding children is a basic component of ensuring healthy and safe school environments. We know children who are hungry are not in the right mindset to learn and can more easily disengage during the school day. All students deserve to have access to free meals at school to ensure they are set up for success in learning."

"Families should not have to worry whether their child will be able to eat at school. We can and must do better."