Stay Energized This Summer: How Hillsborough County Schools’ Food Service Program Keeps Kids Fed and Focused

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — For many families, school meals are vital. When summer rolls around, local districts step in to keep kids fed with nutritious options.

Scarlett Torres and Grayson Noel are two kids who know how important it is to eat well. "It just makes me feel good," said Scarlett. Grayson chimed in, sharing what he enjoyed: "I’m eating a chicken biscuit, tater tots, and apples. I’m drinking milk."

Behind the scenes, Hillsborough County Schools’ nutrition services team works hard to prepare these meals. "We’re expecting to serve about 400,000 meals this summer," said Shani Hall, the General Manager of Student Nutrition Services. They’re ready to serve even more if needed.

Hillsborough County Schools runs a summer food program, offering free breakfast and lunch at schools that also host summer classes. "A hungry child can’t learn,” Hall noted, adding that when kids are hungry during summer, they miss out on joy too.

Any child under 18 can visit schools open on Mondays through Thursdays. Families can check mealtimes posted outside the school offices. Importantly, kids don’t need to be enrolled in summer school to get these meals.

This initiative is crucial for many. “Lots of children depend on our school meals for breakfast, lunch, and sometimes dinner,” Hall said. The summer program helps ease food insecurity for families.

As a recent report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows, about 1 in 6 children in the U.S. face hunger. Programs like this summer food initiative can bridge the gap, leading to healthier communities.

To find summer meal locations nearby, check out Summer BreakSpot or call 211 or 850-617-7170.

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