Summer Food Service Program for Kids in Need

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I’m so excited for my kids to be out of school for the summer!  I’m sure I’ll be singing a different tune by early August, but right now I’m excited for no homework and lazy days!

While we are blessed to have enough for our family, I know that there are lots of families who aren’t as excited about summer because their children rely on free/reduced breakfasts and lunches during the school year.  I’m really grateful that there are options for these families during the summer months that they don’t have to stress about how they will feed their children.

Throughout the state of Utah, Utahns Against Hunger and The Utah State Office of Education partner together for the Summer Food Service Program for Kids.   This program provides free breakfast, lunch and at some locations dinner for children in need.  It is offered at schools and public parks all across the state.  You can check the interactive map here to find the closest location.  There is no qualifications for this free meal program, except that you are 18 or younger.  No child will be turned away unless the food runs out, which does happen.  Sadly, it seems that there are many people out there who do not need this service and see it as a social outing to gather with friends and not have to make lunch for their kids.  While the idea of a FREE lunch for your kids may be enticing, please know that there are limited amounts of food to be handed out.  Please only use this service if your family is in need of it, otherwise you could be taking a meal from a child that might not otherwise have an opportunity to eat.

If you know of a family who may be in need, please pass this information on to them.  It’s hard to believe but there are many families out there who really need this service and are unaware that it even exists.  If you are able, Utahns Against Hunger is always looking for volunteers!  You can look here to see how you can help this summer.

I hate the thought of any child going hungry this summer and my family already has plans to help out in as many ways as we can to help battle hunger.  I encourage you to look into helping or volunteering in your community and share your experiences with other.  It might not seem like you are making a big difference, but to the individuals and families that you are helping, you’re making a world of difference!