Nearly 145K free summer meals served by end of June by state Education Department

July 12, 2026 - 12:41

The state Education Department has reported a strong start to its summer meal program, with nearly 145,000 free meals served to children by the end of June. The total includes more than 52,000 breakfasts and 93,000 lunches distributed at 74 participating public schools across the state. These meals were provided through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Seamless Summer Option, a program designed to ensure children continue to receive nutritious meals during the summer months when school is not in session.

The program aims to bridge the gap for families who rely on school meal programs during the academic year. By offering free breakfast and lunch at no cost to children 18 and under, the initiative helps reduce food insecurity and supports healthy development. The Education Department noted that participation has been steady, with many schools reporting high demand. Officials expect the numbers to grow as more families become aware of the program and as additional sites open later in the summer. The effort is part of a broader push to reach children in both urban and rural communities, ensuring that no child goes hungry when school is out.