Kids Eat Free with Summer Food Programs!

Summer break is meant to be a time for fun and relaxation for kids and families.  However, it isn’t much fun for anyone if they are hungry.  Poor nutrition and hunger can result in a lower immune system and can lead to illness. 

Across the state of Maryland, there are currently more than 5000 agencies offering free summer food programs to kids and teens. Examples of meal sites include schools, libraries, faith-based organizations, and community centers.  Many of these programs offer more than nutritious meals. They offer a safe place for children to learn, play with their peers, and engage in sports and other physical activities.  If you live in a more rural area, you may have access to mobile summer food programs where the food comes to a location in the community, such as a park or library.  To find a site in your community, text FOOD to 877-877, call 211, or visit mdsummermeals.org. New sites are added daily, so check back frequently to find more sites near you.

Another way to spread food dollars during the summer months is to shop at local farmers’ markets using EBT/SNAP benefits, WIC, FMNP (Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program), and Maryland Market Money.  To find a farmers’ market accepting these benefits near you, visit Eat Fresh Maryland.    Make the most of summertime without breaking the bank and keep your child healthy, safe, and active all summer long with these simple tips. 

Learn, Play and Grow with the Summer Meals Program

Photo courtesy of Share our Strength

No need to worry about your kids missing lunch once school gets out.  The summer meals program helps bridge the gap in the summer when kids are not receiving school lunch.

WHAT:  The summer meals program, provides free, nutritious meals and snacks to all children. 

WHO:  All children 18 and younger.   Individuals with disabilities over the age of 18 are also eligible.

WHERE:  The summer meals program can be found at schools, community or recreation centers, summer camps, churches, or libraries.  To find a site near you click on the link and enter your zip code:  Maryland Summer Meals Search.

For more information on meal sites call:  National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-3-HUNGRY or 1-877-8-HAMBRE

The summer meals program is FREE and no paperwork is needed to get a meal.  Just come to the location listed during meal time and the kids will get  get a free breakfast, lunch, or snack.  The meals meet federal nutrition guidelines by providing fresh fruit, vegetables, and whole grains.  The healthy foods help children learn, play and grow over the summer.

To learn more about summer meals in Maryland, visit: http://md.nokidhungry.org/

Photo courtesy of Share our Strength

The Summer Meals Program Means Kids and Teens Eat Free!

 

School is almost out and children need to get balanced, nutritious meals during the summer months.  The Summer Food Service Program (or "Summer Meals Program") provides free meals and snacks to all children and teens (ages 18 and under) in June, July and August when school is out.  Not only does this ensure that your children aren't missing out on the nutrition they need this summer to learn, play, and grow, but it also helps you stretch your food dollars until the next school year begins!

The Summer Meals Program is FREE, and you do not need to fill out any applications or forms for your child.  They can simply show up at participating sites during meal times to receive the nutritious meals they need to enjoy the summer and return to school ready to learn.  Local sites include schools, community or recreation centers, churches, libraries, and other places in the neighborhood.  Some places may even offer learning and recreational activities so your child can play in a safe, supervised environment.

To find a Summer Meals site in your area:

• Call Maryland Summer Meals at 1-877-731-9300
• Search online using your zip code on the School and Community Nutrition Programs page of the Maryland State Department of Education Website

To learn more about the Summer Food Service Program in Maryland, visit:

• Summer Food Service Programs -- Maryland Hunger Solutions
• Maryland No Kid Hungry Website

Summer Meals Programs

Although Maryland is one of the wealthiest states in the country, 1 in 5 households with children in Maryland struggle with hunger.  During the 2011-2012 school year, over 358,000 children in Maryland received free or reduced price breakfast and lunch. These school meals help struggling families by giving children balanced, nutritious meals throughout the day.  But what happens to these students during the summer?

The Summer Meals Program provides nutritious meals to students during the summer.  Children in low-income areas ages 18 and under are able to participate in the program.  There are many different sites where children can go to receive these free meals during June, July, and August.  These sites can be schools, housing complexes, recreation centers, churches or other community programs.  To be a food site at least 1/2 of youth attending need to qualify to receive free or reduced lunch.  During last summer, only 1 out of 5 kids who received free and reduced meals in school actually participated in the summer food service program.  Let's get more kids involved!

Facts about the Summer Meals Program:

• All summer meals offered through USDA programs are FREE.
• The meals served are nutritious and meet national guidelines.  An example of a meal includes: turkey sandwich on wheat bread, milk, an apple and a salad.
• Many sites offer fun learning and recreational activities in a safe, supervised environment. 

The Summer Meals Program helps provide a consistent source of healthy food for kids throughout the summer months.  If you would like to find a site near you call 1-877-731-9300 or visit www.mdsummermeals.org.

If you would like to learn more about these programs check out:

Maryland Hunger Solutions and The Partnership to End Childhood Hunger in Maryland