Governo John Kasich has authorized spending up to $1.5 million more to help feed needy children during the summer when they aren't getting free lunches at school. The Ohio Association of Foodbanks says the money will help continue last summer's weekend meals backpack program for children in need. The money comes from the state's Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funds. Kasich signed the order yesterday. Some 45 percent of school-aged children in Ohio receive free or reduced-price meals during the school year. But when summer comes, participation in the seasonal companion program available to those same children draws only a fraction of eligible youngsters. The foodbank association says childhood hunger can lead to higher rates of diabetes and other conditions, and affect learning.
Mike Foley joined WCBE in February 2000, coming from WUFT in Gainesville, Florida. Foley has worked in various roles, from producing news and feature stories to engineering Live From Studio A sessions. A series of music features Foley started in 2018 called Music Journeys has grown into a podcast and radio show. He also assists in developing other programs in WCBE's Podcast Experience. Foley hosts The Morning Mix, a weekday music show featuring emerging and established musicians, our Columbus-area and Ohio-based talent, and additional artists that inspire him.