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OCPS provides children with free summer meals
Posted on 05/23/2022

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With summer right around the corner, it’s time to think about keeping children healthy while school is out. Orange County Public Schools will provide breakfast and lunch, at no charge, to children 18 and younger at 224 locations throughout Orange County. 

 

Each meal served during the summer will include fresh fruits and vegetables, an entrée and milk. All menu items are taste-tested by students and approved by at least 80 percent of students. Meals are available at schools with summer programs, summer camps and several churches. There are also six branches of the Orange County Library: Chickasaw, Fairview Shores, Hiawassee, North Orange, South Creek, and South Trail.

 

“The summer meals are critical for many of our children’s health. Hunger does not end, nor does the need for fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, or protein every day. We want parents to know that children have access to nutritious meals Monday – Friday at no charge, all summer,” said Lora Gilbert, Sr. Director, OCPS Food and Nutrition Services. 

 

Wednesday, June 8, starting at 10 a.m., OCPS will host a Summer Spike event at OCPS Academic Center for Excellence that will include OCPS leaders; Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Nikki Fried; Chief of School Nutrition Programs, Southeast Region USDA, Kirk A. Farquharson; and other OCPS personnel. Following the speakers, the students enrolled at the school will enjoy games, free food, music and activities – including visits from an Orlando Pride Representative, Mary Moo (Florida Dairy Council), and the Florida Watermelon Queen. In addition, they will be interacting and serving fresh Florida watermelon. 

 

The USDA (through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services) funds the summer meals program each year. To find nutritional site locations and serving times, parents may call 211 or check the OCPS Website under the Food and Nutrition page.

 

For more information, please call the Food and Nutrition Services Summer Program: 407.858.3110 ext. 3295180.