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The Polk County Schools Child Nutrition Department is launching its annual Summer Food Service Program, offering free nutritious meals to help fill the gap for children who may otherwise go hungry when school is not in session.

Starting June 5 through July 31, the program will provide weekly meal packages containing seven days’ worth of healthy breakfasts and lunches to Polk County children ages 18 and younger. Families can pick up these meal packages every Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. at Polk County High School. There will be no meal distribution on July 3.

“Our goal is to help parents bear the high cost of food while providing students who are home for the summer with healthy, nutritious options,” said Jennifer C. Peeler, Director of Child Nutrition. “The meal kits will provide students with some of their favorite familiar ‘school’ meals, including some fresh fruit and milk.”

The Summer Food Service Program is administered at the federal level by the Food and Nutrition Service, an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture. In North Carolina, the program is overseen by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

Program Highlights

• When: Thursdays from 4-6 p.m, June 5-July 31 (No distribution on July 3rd)
• Where: Polk County High School (curbside pickup available)
• Who is eligible: All Polk County children 18 years and younger who are not participating in another Polk County Schools-sponsored program where they receive two meals daily
• Cost: Completely free – no forms to fill out or income requirements
• What’s included: Seven days of breakfasts and lunches per child

The service has been “a great success the past few years,” according to program organizers, who hope to provide even more meals this year. Manna food bank bags will also be available for pickup at the distribution site.

This program aims to address food insecurity during summer months when children lose access to school breakfasts, lunches, and afterschool snacks they receive during the regular school year.

For more information or questions about the Summer Food Service Program, please contact Tammy McIntyre or Jennifer C. Peeler, Director of Child Nutrition, at 828-894-6124.