Free Summer Meals
In the middle of July, you might not imagine a school cafeteria packed full of students. But at Hazel Valley Elementary, the irresistible aroma of homemade pizza wafts through the air as more than a hundred backpack-toting youngsters eagerly line up for a slice.
“We have free summer meals going on this summer, and we are open to anyone who’s 18 and younger,” says Lisa Johnson, Director of Nutritional Services for the Highline School District. “We’re open to the community and whoever would like to come for breakfast and lunch.”
Nearly half a million children in Western Washington receive free or reduced meals during the school year. During the summer, parents must find other resources to replace hundreds of these meals. Free meal programs like the one here in the Highline School District can be a game-changer, no matter how big or small the family.
“I think any resources available to families these days are very helpful because of the increased cost of groceries and resources. It’s just really helpful for families,” says Johnson.” And plus, a lot of families might be caregivers or, you know, nieces, nephews, grandkids. So, this is a great opportunity for families of any type and size.”
The Highline School District operates the program at seven locations through the end of July. Each meal attracts an average of 130 students and their families. In addition to the free meals and activities, parents can also get information on EBT (SNAP) and Sun Bucks, a program that provides funds for families to buy groceries during the summer.
Josie Gonzales is here with her daughter, Victoria, and son, Hugo. She says her entire family enjoys this summer activity.
“This is our second year coming here, and we love it. We came for my little kid right here. (Victoria) And she loves coming to enjoy the time with her brother and playing outside. It’s a good thing for them. We love it.”
While this program is wrapping up soon, you can find a list of other programs and locations across Western Washington at https://www.hungerfreewa.org/freesummerfood