Iowa expands free meal programs for kids during summer break

More than 540 sites across Iowa are offering free, nutritious meals to children this summer through the Seamless Summer Option and Summer Food Service Programs. The Iowa Department of Education announced that these federally funded programs, which began as a pilot in 1968, are available to all children ages 18 and under at various locations including schools, churches, community centers, parks, libraries, and camps.

Families can locate their nearest summer meal site by calling assistance numbers such as 2-1-1 or visiting the website https://www.fns.usda.gov/summer/sitefinder.

“These summer nutrition programs help ensure children in low-income areas who rely on school meals during the school year don’t go hungry during the summer months,” said Kala Shipley, bureau chief for nutrition and health services at the Iowa Department of Education. “Last summer, more than 3 million meals and snacks were served to children and we are excited to expand access to healthy meals this summer at convenient locations across Iowa communities.”

The department manages these programs to maintain children's access to healthy meals when school is not in session. The Healthy Kids Iowa pilot program, launched by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, complements this effort by providing eligible families up to $40 per child per month for fresh foods during the summer.

“In partnership with our dedicated network of community-based providers, the Healthy Kids Iowa initiative builds upon our well-established summer feeding programs,” said McKenzie Snow, Director of the Iowa Department of Education. “Together, we can grow the reach and impact of our vital child nutrition programs, providing young Iowans with no-cost, healthy meals and food options that best meet the needs of our families.”

Further details about these programs can be found on both the Department’s website and on the Iowa Health and Human Services website.

USDA Nondiscrimination Statement: In accordance with federal civil rights law and USDA civil rights regulations and policies, discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability or other specified bases is prohibited in any USDA-conducted or funded program. For alternative communication means or to file a complaint regarding discrimination in a USDA program or activity visit their website or contact them directly via mail or email.