Upper Arlington families have until Monday, Nov. 9, to sign up for free food support through the Tri-Village Packers.

The district announced the extended deadline on its website Oct. 27. Families can fill out an online form to receive grocery items for their children during Thanksgiving break, which runs Nov. 25–29.

The same form covers winter break. Families who want food support for the Dec. 21–Jan. 4 break must sign up by Friday, Nov. 20.

The program is free. All information submitted through the form stays confidential unless a family requests otherwise, according to the district.

Growing need

Upper Arlington Schools is partnering with the Tri-Village Packers again this school year. The volunteer-run program, funded by donations and grants, first launched a Thanksgiving food support effort in 2023, according to the City of Upper Arlington.

Demand has grown. During the 2025 winter break distribution, the program supported 75 families and 140 children, a 50% increase in need compared to the previous spring, according to the UA Community Foundation's January 2026 newsletter. Seventy volunteers logged more than 200 hours to prepare that round of food bags.

The Packers provide healthy snacks, breakfast and lunch items during school breaks. Food packages are tailored to family size, are age-appropriate and account for special dietary needs, according to the city.

A $100 donation supports one child through all three school breaks, with every dollar going directly to food purchases. Residents who want to contribute can visit the UA Community Foundation's website and select the Tri-Village Packers Fund.

Broad partnership

The Tri-Village Packers is a community partnership led by the Tri-Village Lions, Northwest Kiwanis, Upper Arlington Schools, the City of Upper Arlington, Grandview Heights Schools, the City of Grandview Heights, the UA Community Foundation, and the Tri-Village and UA Rotary Clubs. Beyond break distributions, the group provides snack boxes at UA and Grandview schools during the school year for students arriving hungry.

The Thanksgiving sign-up deadline is Monday, Nov. 9. The winter break deadline is Friday, Nov. 20.