News Summary
Jacksonville residents can access free meals for children aged 18 and under this summer, provided by IDEA Public Schools. This essential initiative aims to combat food insecurity during the summer months when school meals aren’t available. Families can receive breakfast and lunch at designated campuses without needing identification. It promotes healthy eating and supports families in need, ensuring children receive nutritious food during the school break.
Jacksonville Offers Free Summer Meals for Children
Jacksonville residents can access free meals this summer for children aged 18 and under, thanks to IDEA Public Schools. The meal program is open to all children in the area, providing a valuable resource for families facing food insecurity during the summer break.
The meal service is available from now until Friday, June 27, operating on weekdays. Breakfast will be served from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., followed by lunch from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Parents and guardians should note that children do not need a student ID or any identification to receive meals.
Meals must be eaten in the cafeterias located at either the IDEA Bassett or IDEA River Bluff campuses. This initiative is part of the National School Lunch Program, which aims to reduce food insecurity among children during the summer months when school meals are not available.
Goals of the Program
The program has two primary objectives: to promote healthy eating habits within the community and to provide nutritional support for families in need. With summer often being a challenging time for families looking to maintain healthy diets, this initiative helps ensure children have access to meals during the school break.
Program Availability
Parents should be aware that IDEA campuses will be closed on federal holidays. For the upcoming summer 2023 period, this includes June 19, when meals will not be served. Families planning to access the meal program can do so from Monday through Friday during the designated hours outlined above.
Importance of the Initiative
This meal program is particularly vital for many families that rely on free or reduced-price lunches during the school year. With the absence of school-based meal options over the summer, children may experience increased food insecurity. IDEA Public Schools’ initiative offers a practical solution to this pressing issue, enabling children to receive healthy and nutritious meals while school is not in session.
By streamlining access and removing the need for identification, the program aims to be inclusive and supportive, ensuring that no child in Jacksonville goes hungry. Families are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to ensure their children receive the nourishment they require to maintain their health and well-being during the summer months.
For families seeking assistance or more information, additional details can be obtained from IDEA Public Schools’ official communication channels or by visiting the campuses directly.
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Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
