Summer food programs bring relief to low-income families
MISSOURI (KBSI) – Now that schools are out, and kids are home all-day parents typically see an increase in their grocery bill. For some families this can be an added strain on finances and a struggle to keep food on the table.
An estimated 69% of low-income families have to choose between buying groceries or paying for utilities during the summer months. The USDA says that providing kids with proper nutrition throughout the summer is a critical step in preventing childhood hunger.
Tonya Harvey is the program manager for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. She shares details about the summer.
“The summer food service program kind of takes the place of meals that kids typically receive at school. So, during the school year families really get used to having those meals available to their kids and not having to spend the extra cost in having to prepare those for their children. So, during the summer it’s nice to have an alternative to those meals and the summer food service program is that alternative.”
The program is run nationally and is funded by the USDA, administered by state agencies and served by organizations families trust, like schools, libraries, faith-based organizations and community groups. These meals make sure kids have access to healthy food when school is out of session.
“Their free to any child aged 18 and younger. Some locations are offering multiple meals this summer. I wanted to make sure people were aware of that and it’s only in rural areas. The information would be indicated on the map if they offered more than one meal at a time, Says Harvey.”
The map Harveys referring too can be found here or on the USDA’s webpage under summer meals for kids site finder. You can find locations through any state participating in the program. The online map uses technology to pinpoint the closest sites based on the address provided by users.
The site is updated weekly, as sites open.
“So, the map should state the name of the site and if the meals are to be taken home. So, it’ll say the name of the site/ non congregate which means they do not have to congregate to eat those meals. Its only in rural areas so you might want to check and see if there’s a rural area around you that’s offering non congregate meals this summer.”
Additionally, some states are participating in the Sun Bucks program. This program will provide low-income families with extra food benefits for kids during the summer. States participating in the program include Missouri, Kentucky, Illinois and Tennessee. School aged children who receive free or reduced lunch during the school year are already signed up for sun bucks and parents will receive a card in the mail with their child’s name on it. Each card will have a total of $120 in EBT benefits to help cover food costs over the summer. $40 for each summer month per child. Parents will receive one card per child.
These benefits will not affect or change any current EBT benefits a family already receives.
Families may start receiving cards in early June.
For more information on the program:
SuN Bucks: Bridging Summer Nutrition Gaps in Missouri – Missouri Foundation for Health (mffh.org)
Summer Food Service Program | Health & Senior Services (mo.gov)
