Jefferson City Public Schools’ buildings will provide breakfast and lunch to any child who walks through the door this summer, even if they are not enrolled in summer school.
Other opportunities to receive meals are available to area children who need them.
Food Bank of Central and Northeast Missouri
Stacey Brown, who is the children’s programs coordinator for the Food Bank of Central and Northeast Missouri, said last week the Food Bank’s summer feeding program, which will be offered Mondays through Fridays June 24-Aug. 23, will have four locations in Jefferson City. They are: the corner of Elizabeth and Edwards streets; the corner of Elm and Chestnut streets; the Westview Heights cul de sac at Collier Court; and Elston Acres Trailer Park.
Lunch at those locations is available from noon-1 p.m. or until there is not any food left, whichever happens first.
Brown said the meals include a sandwich — usually some kind of meat and cheese sandwich — fresh fruit and vegetables, a snack and a drink.
She said the Food Bank does not have the inventory this year to give extra snacks on Fridays for the weekend.
She said the program served 3,400 children last summer, which was an average of about 91 children a day at each of four sites. A similar number is expected this year.
Other summer food locations
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services also offers an online map that can help low-income families find where children can receive free meals over the summer, according to a news release from the department.
The interactive map and more information is available at www.health.mo.gov/sfsp/. A mobile device-friendly version is also available at ogi.oa.mo.gov/DHSS/summerFood_mobile/index.html.
Meals will be served at listed locations to children who are 18 years old and younger, but also to individuals ages 18-21 “that have been determined by a state or local educational agency to be mentally or physically disabled and who participated in an established school program for the mentally or physically disabled.”
More information is available by calling the toll-free phone number, 888-435-1464. People with hearing and speech impairments can dial 711 or 1-800-676-3777.
Funding for the Summer Food Service Program is provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
JCPS’ Monday through Thursday summer school ends June 20, and meal times depend on the school, which are included in the DHSS’ listings.
Other Jefferson City locations include:
• The Knowles YMCA, 424 Stadium Blvd., through Aug. 23. Lunch, 10:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m.; afternoon snack, 2:45-3:45 p.m.
• Boys & Girls Club of Jefferson City, 1105 Lafayette St. The state’s listings for dates and times at the site vary; contact the club at 573-634-2582 to verify.