The Hernando County School District took a fresh approach to feeding kids during the summer. They didn’t just have meal sites where children ate on-site; they also introduced drive-thru options. Now, families could pick up a week’s worth of food—five breakfasts and five lunches—without having to stay.
Elizabeth Miller, a food and nutrition specialist, shared that each week came with a variety of fresh fruits and veggies packed in a refrigeration bag. This made healthy eating easy for families. The program, known as the Seamless Summer Option (SSO), is supported by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. It allows rural districts like Hernando County to simplify food distribution.
Miller noted that the drive-thru quickly became a hit among families. “The first week was crazy with over 500 cars,” she mentioned. Even during the Fourth of July, demand stayed high.
Holly Longo, who oversees food and nutrition, explained that they adopted this model due to feedback from parents facing transportation issues. Many families in rural areas struggle to reach food assistance sites. Longo highlighted that summer months can pose even greater challenges for food security, especially in economically challenged communities.
With this in mind, the drive-thru option helped many families who might otherwise struggle. “If parents can’t come, someone else can bring the kids,” she said. This flexibility made a difference.
Next year, the district plans to add even more drive-thru sites—five in total—to better serve the community. It’s a step toward ensuring that every child has access to nutritious meals, regardless of their circumstances.
Food insecurity is a pressing issue. According to a report from the USDA, nearly 10.5% of U.S. households were food insecure in 2021. Efforts like the Hernando County School District’s drive-thru meals address these challenges head-on. Families deserve support, especially during tough times.
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Hernando County,food insecurity,summer meal sites
