Summer meals programs for kids under 18 announced, over 2,500 sites approved

The Minnesota Department of Education has announced that more than 2,500 sites have been approved to provide nutritious, free meals to kids under the age of 18 through the Summer Meals Program.

According to a release, Minnesota schools and community organizations are now using the USDA Summer Food Service Program and Seamless Summer Option to make this happen.

The program helps close the nutrition gap and supports academic achievement by providing access to health meals, so students can return in the fall ready to learn. Meals are served in school, curbside or grab and go, or delivered to bus stops or homes. Many times, meals are bundled for multiple days to make it easy for families to participate.

"Every child in Minnesota deserves to have access to nutritious meals every day," said Education Commissioner Heather Mueller. "We are grateful for the more than 2,500 school and community partners across Minnesota, ensuring families will continue to be able to access nutritious, free meals during the summer months."

Families should check the Free Meals for Kids app for operational times and days. For more information, click here.