Before every practice, every game, every workout, student athletes face the same question: Do they have enough fuel in the tank?
For many families, grabbing a quick snack before practice or packing extra food for a long afternoon of athletics is routine. But for some students, access to food after school and before practice and games isn’t guaranteed.
Sean McHenry, Associate Manager at OhioHealth, understands this reality all too well. Working closely with student athletes in Dublin schools, he understands how much nutrition affects a student’s ability to show up, participate, and stay healthy. Even the most dedicated athletes can struggle when they head into practice on an empty stomach.
“You need to fill the tank,” Sean says. “Starting on empty is tough for these kids.”
It’s More Than Food. It’s Fuel for Student Athletes.
At the Dublin Food Pantry, feeding kids is personal. We know that behind every hungry stomach is a student trying to learn, grow, and, in many cases, show up for their team.
More than 3,700 students at Dublin City Schools receive free or reduced breakfast and lunch during the school year. For those that are student athletes, the hours before practice or a game can be the hardest time to find something nourishing to eat. That’s why we partnered with the OhioHealth Sports Medicine Program to help make sure student athletes have access to snacks and simple, nutritious food when they need it most.
At Dublin Scioto High School, Sells Middle School, and Davis Middle School, students can grab items like granola bars, fruit, protein snacks, and other easy options to keep them going.
“When you don’t have enough to eat before practice—even if you’re a strong athlete—it makes it harder to participate,” Sean explains.
And it’s not just about sports. Access to consistent, nutritious food helps students stay focused, feel better, and avoid getting sick or injured. It supports them both in and out of the classroom.
Sean says Dublin has always been a community that looks out for its students. This effort is one more way to do that – by meeting a need that isn’t always easy to see.
Your Donation Gives Students the Energy They Need
At its core, this is about more than providing food. It’s about giving kids a stable source of energy they can count on, whether they’re stepping onto the field, walking into class, or simply getting through the day.
Your donation helps make that possible. For every $1 donated, we’re able to provide 2.5 meals to those in need. Please consider giving today to support local students and families throughout the year.