Free summer meals found through texts, website
June 7, 2017
Charlea Estes
For many students, summer can be the hungriest time of the year. In many economically depressed areas, including Barry County, the only reliable food children get is when they are in school. Once school lets out for the summer, families who cannot afford food have less of a buffer for children.
Thanks to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, local schools provide free meals to children ages 18 and under during the summer. For many families struggling to put food on the table, this is a saving grace. In Barry County, area schools offer free meals for both breakfast and lunch during summer school. However, other locations, such as the Cassville and Monett YMCAs offer food for a longer stretch during the summer months. Outside of Barry County, other organizations are providing meals, as well.
Two different organizations are making it easier for families in need to locate free food around the area. One is a texting option, and the other offers an online map that will show where children can get free meals throughout the summer.
The text program is available through a non-profit called Share Our Strength. The program is specifically called No Kid Hungry, and the non-profit’s goal is to end child hunger. By texting ‘FOOD’ to 877-877 and then following the instructions to provide your zipcode, you’ll receive a text back with area free food programs in your area, their dates, days, times and a contact number for the site.
Specific to just this state, Missouri’s Department of Health and Senior Services has an online map that parents can access to find free children’s food programs in their area.
Dr. Randall Williams, the director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, said, “Summer can be a time of food insecurity for students who receive free and reduced lunches during the school year. This interactive map will help ensure Missouri’s children are getting critical nutrition all year long.”
The website is www.dhss.mo.gov/sfsp/. The link to the map can be accessed from that page, and you can type in a city, county or zip code to have the map pop up. Pins appear on the map where food programs are and each has the information about that particular site, including dates available, times, organization and contact information of the organization.
The Summer Food Service Program is an initiative available through the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
While meals are designated to be for children ages 18 and below, individuals who are 18 to 21 and have been determined to be mentally or physically disabled and participate in an established school program can receive meals, as well.
Income guidelines do not have to be met in order to qualify for the program. Any child 18 and under may receive a meal.
Charlea Estes
For many students, summer can be the hungriest time of the year. In many economically depressed areas, including Barry County, the only reliable food children get is when they are in school. Once school lets out for the summer, families who cannot afford food have less of a buffer for children.
Thanks to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, local schools provide free meals to children ages 18 and under during the summer. For many families struggling to put food on the table, this is a saving grace. In Barry County, area schools offer free meals for both breakfast and lunch during summer school. However, other locations, such as the Cassville and Monett YMCAs offer food for a longer stretch during the summer months. Outside of Barry County, other organizations are providing meals, as well.
Two different organizations are making it easier for families in need to locate free food around the area. One is a texting option, and the other offers an online map that will show where children can get free meals throughout the summer.
The text program is available through a non-profit called Share Our Strength. The program is specifically called No Kid Hungry, and the non-profit’s goal is to end child hunger. By texting ‘FOOD’ to 877-877 and then following the instructions to provide your zipcode, you’ll receive a text back with area free food programs in your area, their dates, days, times and a contact number for the site.
Specific to just this state, Missouri’s Department of Health and Senior Services has an online map that parents can access to find free children’s food programs in their area.
Dr. Randall Williams, the director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, said, “Summer can be a time of food insecurity for students who receive free and reduced lunches during the school year. This interactive map will help ensure Missouri’s children are getting critical nutrition all year long.”
The website is www.dhss.mo.gov/sfsp/. The link to the map can be accessed from that page, and you can type in a city, county or zip code to have the map pop up. Pins appear on the map where food programs are and each has the information about that particular site, including dates available, times, organization and contact information of the organization.
The Summer Food Service Program is an initiative available through the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
While meals are designated to be for children ages 18 and below, individuals who are 18 to 21 and have been determined to be mentally or physically disabled and participate in an established school program can receive meals, as well.
Income guidelines do not have to be met in order to qualify for the program. Any child 18 and under may receive a meal.
