Free summer meals for children and teens

LENOIR, NC (June 14, 2019) — Summer break is an exciting and relaxing time for students, but it becomes a worry for some children who are part of the 58% who qualify for free or reduced priced meals during the school year.

“Over the summer months, many children are at risk of hunger at home, which makes them more likely to experience a health or cognitive issue,” said Child Nutrition Director Guy Garner. “The beauty of the Summer Feeding Program is that parents are not required to fill out any paperwork. Meals are free all summer long and are available to all children who show up at the site.”

When schools are closed in the summertime, the Child Nutrition Department continues to support students’ nutritional needs by offering a Summer Meals Program at eight different locations throughout the county. These meals are free to all children 18 years and under, and no registration is required.

The Summer Meals Program is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which provides funding for free summer meals to all children throughout the state. The summer program is similar to the School Lunch Program, but parents are not required to complete a qualifying application for free and reduced priced meals before receiving services.

Food served at the sites meet the USDA guidelines, and the sites have already opened. The following sites are operational Monday through Friday, from June 10 through August 16. All sites are closed the week of July 4^th holiday from July 1-5.

Also, students enrolled in the Caldwell County Schools Summer Reading Camp, Rising Stars for entering kindergarten students, and the Summer WrapAround Program are provided breakfast and/or lunch at school during the summer months.