Summer Break Spot

With school out for the summer, many children may miss out on a meal they normally would receive through USDA’s school meals programs. Florida’s at-risk children now can have meals all summer long.

The Summer Break Spot Program, also known as the Summer Food Service Program, is federally funded under the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and, in Florida, administered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Summer Break Spot sites are locally operated by nonprofit organizations such as schools, community centers, recreation centers, and faith-based organizations.

There is no cost for these nutritionally balanced meals that meet USDA guidelines – breakfast, lunch and snack. However, the site may have a fee set for the activity program they provide. Plus, there is no application necessary and any child 18 or younger can simply show up during meal times to receive a meal.

Currently, Tallahassee has twenty listed Summer Break Spot sites. Sites will be added continually throughout the summer. Find a feeding site in your area using the interactive website. (http://www.summerfoodflorida.org/Find-a-Site or Dial: 2-1-1, Text:”FoodFL” to 877-877, Mobile App: Nutritslice

Have other questions? Contact the Program Director by email at Rachel.Mohler@FreshFromFlorida.com or by calling 1-800-504-6609.

If there are no feeding sites in your community, you can mobilize your community to sponsor the program. Contact the Program Director to learn how.

Let’s help insure that kids in our community don’t go hungry this summer.

Author: Heidi Copeland – hbc@ufl.edu

Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent, Leon County Florida Educational Program Focus: •Food, Nutrition and Wellness •Child Development and Parenting
http:leon.ifas.edu

Living Well in the Panhandle

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