KIDS EAT FREE
THIS SUMMER!
WORDS: Jessica Anderson
With summer upon us, Manatee
County Schools Food and Nutrition
Services is again preparing to feed
students across the county. For the
last 12 years, the Summer BreakSpot
program has been helping provide
nourishment to local children during the
long summer months.
This program provides free meals for
kids at multiple locations starting on June
3rd. Last year, over 205,000 meals were
served at 59 sites between the months of
June and August.
The Summer BreakSpot program is part
of a USDA program where free meals
are offered to all children who are 18 or
younger, providing them a free breakfast,
service is not based on income status.
The program was designed to ensure that
children have access to nutrition during
the summer, giving them the opportunity
to return to school healthy, happy, and
ready to learn. Manatee County School
District General Funds are not used for
this program.
Meals will be delivered to local sites
such as summer camps, community
centers, and churches. Meals will also
be delivered by two mobile feeding buses
and a “Caboose” food trailer (provided by
Tropicana), to multiple locations such as
apartment complexes, local parks, and
the City Stop in downtown Bradenton.
Both buses have indoor and outdoor
seating for kids to enjoy their meal in the
comfort of air conditioning or in the shade
of an awning. It is a great opportunity for
kids to get outside for some sunshine,
socializing, and a healthy meal.
The Summer BreakSpot menu includes
sandwiches, burgers, wraps, fresh fruit,
vegetables, and low-fat milk. Manatee
County Schools Food and Nutrition
Service will also be providing free meals
to students in summer school programs.
Hot meals will be served in summer
school sites and will include items like
chicken tenders, nachos, cheeseburgers,
and pizza.
Find the nearest Summer BreakSpot
location:
CALL: 211
Visit: SummerFoodFlorida.org
For more information about the Summer
BreakSpot contact Food & Nutrition
www.manateeschoolfood.net
• About Manatee County Schools
Food & Nutrition Services: As a U.S.
Department of Agriculture supported
program the mission of Food and
Nutrition Services (FNS) is to provide
quality nutritious meals for student to
million student lunches and breakfasts
each year and provides service to over
80% of the student population.
/SummerFoodFlorida.org
/www.manateeschoolfood.net