As summer begins, many students in Springfield look forward to their break from school. However, summer also marks the end of the daily free meals that many children rely on during the school year. To help bridge that gap, Springfield’s District 186 is once again offering free breakfast and lunch to children throughout the summer.
“This program really helps families that struggle to regularly put food on the table,” said Megan McMillan, Food Service Director for District 186. “It’s a sad reality for many people, so providing these free meals is one way we can support those who need it most.”
This summer, 16 schools across District 186 will serve free meals to anyone aged 18 or younger. Children do not have to be enrolled in a District 186 school to participate. Adults can also purchase meals at a low cost—$3 for breakfast and $5 for lunch.
Meal service times and school locations vary throughout the summer. District officials encourage families to check the official schedule to find the closest participating school and confirm open dates.
The program is designed to reach all neighborhoods in Springfield, making sure families across the city have access to healthy food during the summer months.
“Providing nutritious meals to children has a direct impact on their long-term health,” McMillan explained. “When children eat well from a young age, they’re less likely to face medical problems as they grow older.”
The meals served during summer follow the same nutrition standards as those provided during the school year. Children will see familiar menu items along with cold lunch options, offering both comfort and variety.
The summer meals program is part of a larger effort by District 186 to promote health, reduce hunger, and support families when school is out of session.
