News Summary
Middle Tennessee is launching a Summer Meals Program to provide free meals for students in need. This initiative ensures children aged 18 and under receive nutritious food during summer months when school is not in session. Available from May 28 to July 31, various locations across different counties will offer breakfast and lunch, as well as family-sized meal packs. Community organizations, local school districts, and programs are collaborating to combat food insecurity, making sure families have access to nutritious meals throughout the summer.
Summer Meals Program Launched in Middle Tennessee
Middle Tennessee counties are stepping up this summer by providing free meals for students in need. These initiatives aim to ensure that children aged 18 and under have access to nutritious breakfast and lunch, even when school is not in session. The meal distribution will take place on multiple dates between May 28 and July 31, offering convenience and support for families.
Meal Distribution Schedule
Free meals will be offered in several locations across different counties, with a notable example being breakfast served from 7:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. and lunch provided from 11 a.m. to noon. Venues such as the Clothing Closet and Pantry at 207 W. Conway Street are also hosting special events. Bright Futures Benton will distribute family-sized meal packs every Wednesday from June 4 to July 30, where each participating child can receive seven days’ worth of meals.
Efforts in specific counties include:
- Cannon County: TNKids Nutrition will deliver food boxes filled with enough meals for seven breakfasts and lunches every Thursday until July 31.
- Cheatham County: Grab-and-go lunches will be available every Tuesday from noon to 4 p.m. at The Ark, located at 710 Highway 70 in Pegram.
- Manchester: Summer meal packs, which include seven days’ worth of meals, can be picked up at Coffee County Middle School every week on Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Tullahoma City Schools: A feeding program using a food truck and drive-thru services will run until July 23, with two options for meal collection on Mondays and Wednesdays.
- Metro Nashville Public Schools: Free meal services for children under 18 are being offered without any registration requirement. Adults can purchase meals at reduced rates at certain sites.
- South Cumberland Meal Program: Meals will also be available weekly for children aged 2 to 18 from March 2 to July 26.
- Lawrence County: Grab-and-go meals providing seven meals will be distributed every Thursday until June 19.
- Lewis County: Free meals for children under 18 will be served daily at Lewis County Elementary from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. until June 27.
- Lincoln County: Meals will be provided at five schools with an emphasis on dine-in service only until June 23.
- Macon County: Meal pickups will be available through July 11, noting no services on July 4.
- Maury County: Free breakfast and lunch will be offered until June 30, with options for adults to purchase meals.
- Franklin Special District: Free breakfast and lunch for children and teens from May 27 to July 24, excluding the holiday break from June 30 to July 4.
Community Support and Engagement
The summer meals initiative is made possible through collaborative efforts between local school districts, community organizations, and various programs aimed at fighting child hunger. These feeding programs are crucial during the summer months when many families struggle to provide meals outside the school environment.
The YMCA and similar organizations are also contributing to the landscape by offering meal packs across various locations, available until August 2, without the need for registration. These measures reflect the close-knit efforts within Middle Tennessee to combat food insecurity among its youth.
Conclusion
With numerous options available throughout Middle Tennessee, families are encouraged to take advantage of these free meal programs. The various meal distribution points and flexible schedules aim to accommodate the needs of children, ensuring they have reliable access to nutritious food all summer long.
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Additional Resources
- News Channel 5: Summer Food Sites Open Across Middle Tennessee for Kids in Need
- Wikipedia: Summer Meal Program
- News Channel 5: Summer Meal Programs Fill Critical Gap for Nashville Children
- Google Search: Summer Meal Program
- WKRN: YMCA Middle TN Free Summer Food Program for Kids
- Google Scholar: Summer Food Programs
- Nashville Lifestyles: 2-for-1 Summer Food Series Returns
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Food Assistance
- WSMV: Gov. Lee Proposes New Summer Food Assistance Program
- Google News: Summer Food Assistance Tennessee
Author: HERE Nashville
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