A Coast-to-Coast Look at Summer Meal Programs
Commitment to student health and nutrition doesn’t stop during summer break. Across the country, school nutrition professionals work diligently throughout the summer to ensure that children continue to receive the nourishment they need. Meal service locations are identified in communities to try reach children where the need for nutrition, from school campuses and city parks to rural routes of mobile meal delivery.
Some inspiring examples of how districts are fueling kids this summer include:
The Laurens County School District 56 team in South Carolina powered through the heat earlier this summer at Joanna-Woodson Elementary School, serving meals and whole watermelons with help from student football players. Their teamwork highlighted the strength and spirit of the school community.
In Georgia, the White County School District nutrition team hit the streets, delivering free summer meals to children at a local city park.
The School District of Pickens County in South Carolina launched its Rural Sun Meals to Go program, requiring a week full of packing, loading, and distributing meals across the community.
The food service team at Grant County Schools in Kentucky offered a weekly pick-up model at multiple school sites, making it easy for families to access nutritious meals.
Through a bus-based delivery system, the Michigan City Area Schools food service department in Indiana brought meals directly to families, reaching students right where they were.
In Texas, the Temple Independent School District operated six summer feeding sites to serve children throughout the city.
Families in Utah were invited to enjoy the Salt Lake City School District’s summer lunch program, which provided meals for children ages 0–18 at local parks and playgrounds.
In Glynn County, Georgia, the summer meal program added something extra: books! Healthy lunches were paired with engaging reading materials to help fuel both bodies and minds.
Back in June, McMinnville School District Nutrition Services in Oregon made a special summer meal stop at Oaks Amusement Park, with support from staff and a school board member who helped serve meals in the summer heat, showcasing strong community support.
These programs highlight the many creative and committed ways school districts are adapting to meet their communities’ needs. Whether it’s through mobile delivery, park meetups, or school-site service, the dedication to child nutrition continues year-round.
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