Bay Area Food Bank is partnering with local community organizations to offer free meals to children across the Florida Panhandle this summer through the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). The program is supported by the United States Department of Agriculture and is designed to fill the nutritional gap left when children are out of school during summer months and do not have access to free or reduced price meals.
“Schools do a great job providing healthy meals during the school year, but often lack the funds to operate summer programs. We’re working to increase access across the area,” said Bay Area Food Bank’s Executive Director, Dave Reaney. “All children aged 18 and under are eligible, but this is a great way to help struggling families ensure their child gets free meals during the week,” Reaney continued.
Last summer, Bay Area Food Bank served nearly 1,100 children in Florida and over 9,100 children across the Central Gulf Coast at area churches, schools, parks and community centers. That number is expected to grow as the program continues to expand.
To learn more about the SFSP and find a site in your community, visit the food bank’s website, www.bayareafoodbank.org. Additionally, you can text FOOD to 877-877 to find a site near you.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: BAY AREA FOOD BANK PROVIDES FREE SUMMER MEALS FOR KIDS