COLUMBUS (WCMH) — Only 10 percent of eligible children who qualify for free and reduced meals in Columbus schools have access to free summer meals. Columbus city leaders have extended the summer meals program to bridge that gap.

Similar to boxed meal kits that come in the mail, Columbus City Schools students will now get to become mini-chefs of their own with the Buddy Box.

The Buddy Box is a kit filled with nutritious snacks and easy to prepare meals for students who have a hard time securing meals over the weekends and during summer break.

“Most of our families do experience food insecurity,” said Weinland Park Elementary School Principal Dr. Porsha Robinson-Irvin.

Roughly 400 students attend Weinland Park Elementary School. Dr. Robinson-Irvin says 200 students signed up to receive a Buddy Box every weekend until the end of the school year.

“A child’s learning, development and growth does not end when school lets out. It is important that they are nourished throughout the weekend as well,” said Columbus City Council member Elizabeth Brown.

Monday, Columbus City Council approved $2.5 million through the recreation and parks department to support the summer meals program with the addition of the Buddy Boxes.

“Children who qualify for free and reduced-price lunches can access those same meals at summer food sites across the city,” said Brown.

This is the first time the city is partnering with the Family Mentor Foundation, which prepares these Buddy Boxes for 18 schools throughout Franklin County.

“We are feeding about 900 kids every weekend with our Buddy Box program,” said Kari Vernon, Founder of the Family Mentor Foundation.

“It is really us telling our kids, you are important to us. You are important to us even when you are not in school,” said Robinson-Irvin.

More information on the Columbus Summer Meal Program: https://www.columbus.gov/recreationandparks/programs/Free-Meal-Programs/ 

Family Mentor Foundation Buddy Boxes:  https://www.familymentorfoundation.org/buddy-bags