About Food for Kids

The Brightside Project's Food for Kids program is a unique, child-centered initiative designed to combat food insecurity while empowering children to make healthy and informed choices. Unlike traditional food pantries, Food for Kids allows children to shop in a market-style environment where they can select nutritious food items according to their preferences. This approach not only ensures that children receive the food they need but also teaches them valuable life skills such as decision-making, budgeting, and understanding nutrition. By giving children the autonomy to choose their own food, we promote their well-being, self-esteem, and confidence, all while addressing a critical community need.

Columbiana County and rural Mahoning County children, ages 3-18, are invited to The Brightside Project food pantry twice a month where they can choose food and personal care items to take home. Children also receive a free book and Reading Buddy at each visit.

    1. Combat Food Insecurity: Provide consistent access to nutritious food for children in at-risk and underserved communities, ensuring that no child goes hungry.

    2. Promote Healthy Eating Habits: Encourage children to make healthy food choices by offering a variety of nutritious options and educating them about the importance of a balanced diet.

    3. Empower Children through Decision-Making: Allow children to select their own food items in a market-style setting, fostering autonomy and confidence in their ability to make informed choices.

    4. Teach Essential Life Skills: Equip children with practical skills such as budgeting, meal planning, and understanding nutrition labels, helping them develop the knowledge needed to make safe and healthy decisions.

    5. Enhance Self-Esteem and Confidence: Build children’s self-esteem by giving them control over their food choices, helping them feel valued and capable of making decisions that impact their health and well-being.Item description

  • No pre-registration is required. Parents/Guardians must complete registration at the event. Parents/Guardians must bring proof of Columbiana County and rural Mahoning County residency.

  • Child-friendly, non-pershible food items are needed such as:

    ➼ Fruit snacks
    ➼ Juice boxes
    ➼ Chips
    ➼ Crackers
    ➼ Individual cereals
    ➼ Ramen noodles
    ➼ Canned raviolis
    ➼ Macaroni and cheese
    ➼ Cookies
    ➼ Fruit Cups
    ➼ Applesauce cups
    ➼ Granola bars

    Other items needed:

    ➼ Books
    ➼ Stuffed animals
    ➼ Toothbrushes and toothpaste
    ➼ Bars of soap
    ➼ Body wash
    ➼ Shampoo and conditioner
    ➼ Feminine care products
    ➼ Hairbrushes and combs

  • Support the Food for Kids program by purchasing items off our Amazon Wish List: https://a.co/c4VHuik

  • Typically held the first and third Thursdays each month from 4-6 p.m. at The Brightside Project, 1909 N. Ellsworth Ave., Salem, Ohio, 44460. View our Upcoming Events page to find upcoming Food for Kids dates.

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1,094 children participated in Food for Kids in 2022.
1,545 children have participated in Food for Kids so far in 2023.

More Details

Wanting more details on the Food for Kids program? Perhaps you’re interested in donating or holding a school supplies drive? Fill out this form for more details.