Students under the age of 18 can get free meals this summer as part of the Summer Meals Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The program was established to ensure that children continue to receive nutritious meals when school is not in session. When school is out, the program free meals to kids and teens in low-income areas.
Participants can get free breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks depending on the site location. There are no eligibility requirements and students do not have to already be on a free or reduced lunch program.
Meals and snacks are also available to persons with disabilities, over age 18, who participate in school programs for people who are mentally or physically disabled.
Local sponsors include the Duval County School Board and the Kids Hope Alliance.
Additionally, the Glynn County Schools Culinary Services department will offer the federally funded Summer Lunch Program at approved sites, beginning Monday, June 3 through Wednesday, July 31. Find more information about that here.
Specific meals and serving times vary by location. Some locations open on Monday, such as the one sponsored by the Jacksonville Library, while others open next week.
See the 2019 Summer Meal Site Finder for more information.
Some 2019 Summer Meal Sites:
- Kernan Road Elementary School
- Abess Road Elementary School
- Pablo Creek Regional Library
- Landmark Middle School
- Sandalwood High School
- Neptune Beach Elementary School
- Brookview Elementary School
- JAX Kids Mobile Feeding at Adolph Wurn Park
- Voice of Joy Ministries International/ Bell Joy Prep Academy
- Ft. Caroline Elementary School
- Boys and Girls Club at the Arlington Community Academy
- Englewood High School
- Cecil Field Recreation
- Baker County Pre-K and Kindergarten Center
- Sunshine School Readiness
- Macclenny Duck Pond
- Glen Baptist Church
- Argyle Branch Library
- JAX Kids Mobile Feeding Jacksonville Heights
- Reynolds Lane Elementary School
- Pickett Elementary School
- W.E. Harris Community Culture Arts Center
- Hastings Teen Center
- Flagler Family YMCA
- YMCA @ Christ's Church Mandarin
- Southern Oaks
- Charles E. Bennett Elementary School
- Putnam County 4-H
You may also text “Summer Meals” to 97779 or call 1-866-348-6479 to find a site near you.
- Check out the Summer Food Service Program website: www.summerfood.usda.gov
