Resources During Uncertain Times

Hello Titan Families,

We understand many in our community are feeling uneasy as we await clarity on federal food support funding beyond November 1. Providing food should never be a source of fear or shame, and we want our Titan families to know you are not alone during this time. In this community, when times feel uncertain, we support and care for each other.

This special edition of Titan Talk focuses on making sure every family knows where to turn for support if food benefits are disrupted. Inside, you will find information about school meals, including our after-school supper program, how to connect with Second Harvest Food Bank, and the ways our Wraparound Services team can help with additional needs so families can focus on feeding and caring for their children.

Our goal is simple: to make sure every Titan child is nourished, supported, and able to learn. If your family is facing a challenge, please don't hesitate to reach out.

We are here — without judgment — and ready to walk beside you.

All students receive free breakfast and lunch at school, and we encourage families to make morning meals a priority. Getting students to school on time not only supports learning, but it also makes sure they can start the day with a nutritious breakfast.

Along with daily meals, we are proud to offer a free Supper Meal Program in partnership with Aramark. This after-school option is open to all children 18 and under in the community, not just Lorain students. Children do not need to be enrolled in our schools to participate.

Supper Meal Program

Lorain High School Cafeteria
2601 Pole Ave., Lorain, OH 44052
School days only, Monday–Friday
2:30–4:30 p.m.

Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio partners with more than 127 local food pantries, hot meal sites, shelters, and community organizations to make sure families have access to fresh, healthy food.

Families can also sign up to receive text updates from Second Harvest about upcoming food distributions and resource information. Text Lorain to 440-467-4353.

To make finding local support even easier, visit FreshTrak. This simple online tool helps families locate nearby food pantries, hot meal programs, and other food resources based on your ZIP code.

Second Harvest will be hosting two food distributions in our area.

Lorain City Schools has built a strong System of Care to support students and families. Our goal is simple: remove barriers so students can learn, grow, and show up as their best selves. Through our Wraparound Services team, families can access a wide range of supports, including:

• Behavioral Health Care | Access to school-based therapists, mental health screenings, consultations, counseling, and intensive in-home support when needed.
• Chemical Dependency Services | Evidence-based substance use screenings and treatment options for students or family members in need of support.
• Community Partnerships | Connections to programs, services, and opportunities that strengthen children and families — right here in Lorain.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Care | On-site and community-based services through trusted partner agencies so students receive quality care close to home.
• Homeless Support | Assistance for students and families experiencing homelessness or housing instability, focused on removing barriers to school attendance and access to resources.
• Legal Services | Support for families who need help navigating legal matters that may affect student well-being or stability.
• Veterans Support | Services for students in military-connected families, including resources and community programs.
• Suicide Prevention & Safety Supports | Use of evidence-based tools, including the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale and Navigate360, to ensure students have safe pathways to help and intervention.

In addition, our System of Care helps make sure that donations of clothing, shoes, coats, and other essentials reach students and families who need them most quickly.

If you are facing a hardship, please reach out. We will listen, we will support, and we will help connect you to the right resources with care and dignity.

Uncertainty can place a lot of stress on children and families. This year, Lorain City Schools partnered with Hazel Health to make sure students have access to caring mental health support when they need it most.

Hazel Health provides free, one-on-one virtual therapy sessions for students. Sessions take place privately, during or after the school day, and are designed to help students manage stress, anxiety, big emotions, or difficult life changes.