Staff Reports
Alachua County Public Schools Food (ACPS) and Nutrition (FNS) department announced the Summer Meals Program will be returning this year.
ACPS will have a kickoff event for the program from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Veterans Memorial Park (7400 SW 41st Place). The event will include free meals from the On Point food truck for children ages 0-18. Adult meals will be available for $5.
The event will also include family-friendly activities and community groups providing information.
The Summer Meals Program offers children 18 years old or younger free breakfast and lunch during the summer. The program will run from June 5 with some sites staying open until July 21.
The Summer Meals Program is open to any child, regardless of family income and what school the child attends. There will be more than 70 sites offering meals at schools and other locations. Children are not required to eat meals on site, and families going to schools for meals can request them at the front office.
The ACPS On Point food truck will be providing meals at three locations: Majestic Oaks (5800 SW 20th Ave.), the SWAG Family Resource Center (807 SW 64th Terrace), and the Veteran’s Memorial Park (7400 SW 41st Place).
Dates and mealtimes will vary. Details for each site will be listed on the website.
“Families can take their children to the site that’s most convenient for them,” said Maria Eunice, executive director of the FNS department, in a press release. “They just show up during the serving times and enjoy a nutritious meal, with no registration required.”
The school district is also providing formula, cereal and food for babies. ACPS advises families to call ahead to the FNS office (352) 955-7539 two days in advance to make arrangements for any baby items.