Alachua County Provides Free Meals for Students During Summer Vacation

Alachua County Public Schools Launches Summer Meals Program for Children

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — In a significant initiative aimed at combating food insecurity during the summer months, Alachua County Public Schools is set to provide free breakfast and lunch to children aged 18 and under. The program is designed to ensure that all children have access to nutritious meals, irrespective of their income level or school affiliation.

The Summer Meals Program, which operates at 79 designated sites including numerous local schools, is set to open its doors to all children in the community. Importantly, eligibility for the program does not require participation in free or reduced lunch programs during the academic year, making it accessible to a broader range of families. Jamie Lovett, the Director of Food and Nutrition Services for the district, emphasized the program’s inclusive nature, stating, “Families can take their children to the site that’s most convenient for them. They just show up during the serving times and enjoy a nutritious meal, with no registration required.”

Families are encouraged to take advantage of this service, which will require on-site dining. For those picking up meals at school locations, check-in at the front office will be necessary. This setup is designed to streamline the process while ensuring the safety and comfort of all participants.

In addition to the static meal sites, mobile meal distribution will take place in several key locations throughout the county, including Alachua, Archer, East Gainesville, Hawthorne, High Springs, Newberry, and Waldo. These mobile sites will provide meal kits designed to facilitate the preparation of seven days’ worth of meals, thereby catering to families that may face challenges in accessing traditional meal sites.

The program’s serving times and operational dates vary by location; however, many sites are scheduled to open starting June 9 and will continue operations until July 25. Parents and guardians can find specific information regarding locations and serving hours through the provided online resources.

With this initiative, Alachua County Public Schools is taking a proactive approach to ensure that children do not go hungry over the summer, reflecting a growing commitment among educational institutions to address the interconnected issues of nutrition and education.

For further details on specific meal sites, schedules, and additional information, please refer to the official documentation available here.