Summer break from school also means a break from school meals, which can add stress for parents. Feeding kids breakfast and lunch every day adds to a family’s food bill and takes time to plan and prepare. This may be particularly stressful since meals were free for all this past school year.
Thankfully, the Summer Food Service Program makes free meals available to students 18 and under at community sites. If your child is enrolled in a summer camp, summer school, or other program, they may offer free meals–just ask! But even if they are not, there are summer meals “open sites” located in many communities where any child can walk in and receive a free lunch.
All Maryland school districts host open summer meal sites in the county. Check your school district’s website, or call your school district’s Food and Nutrition office to get information about available site locations, hours, and dates of operation.
Because most pandemic restrictions have been lifted, summer meals will look a little different than the past two summers. In the summer of 2020 and 2021, meals were picked up and eaten off site, and parents could pick up meals for students. The summer of 2022 will return to traditional summer meal service. This means meals must be eaten on site. Students can enjoy a relaxed free summer meal with their friends at the site!
As Maryland returns to normal operations, rules are subject to change. Stay tuned to the EatSmart blog and your child’s school for updates on summer meals!
