The Polk County Schools Child Nutrition Department is bringing back its popular Summer Food Program this June, and every child in Polk County is welcome.
Beginning Thursday, June 11, families can pick up seven days’ worth of free, healthy meals every Thursday from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Polk County High School. The program runs through July 23, with the exception of July 2. Each weekly pickup includes seven breakfasts and seven lunches.
There are no forms, no income requirements and no cost to families. Any child or teen 18 years old or younger is eligible. The only exception is children already enrolled in other PCS-sponsored summer programs, such as the YMCA camp, who will receive their meals directly through those programs.
The Summer Food Program matters for more reasons than one.
For families, it provides meaningful relief at a time when grocery bills tend to spike. For the Child Nutrition Department itself, participation is essential – the department receives no state funding and relies entirely on federal reimbursements based on meals served. Every meal picked up supports summer employment for Child Nutrition staff and helps fund school kitchens for the upcoming school year.
Last year, the program provided more than 33,000 meals through Thursday distributions and an additional 8,000 meals through PCS-sponsored summer programs. The goal this year is to surpass that number.
Families are encouraged to come to Polk County High School, pick up their meals and say hello to the team that works year-round to keep Polk County students fed.
For questions, call 828-894-6124.
