Students can continue to receive free meals at select locations through the summer

Marion County Public Schools said it anticipates providing over 200,000 meals to children in need this summer with the continuation of its Summer Food Service Plan.

The long-standing program is available to anyone 18 years old or younger, and a breakfast and a lunch will be provided per person at 33 different locations throughout Marion County on Mondays through Thursdays from June 6 until July 14, according to MCPS Public Relations Director Kevin Christian. 

“Any child who walks in within those age parameters is welcome to eat,” Christian said. “It doesn’t matter where they go to school, or if they even go to school at all.”

The funding for the meals is provided by Florida’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services as well as the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the district will be reimbursed for all program related expenses, according to MCPS. 

“The following 10 organizations will also be community delivery centers to serve students participating in their respective programs: Blessed Trinity Catholic Church; Boys & Girls Clubs in Dunnellon, Marion County, and Silver Springs Shores; Central Christian Church; E.D. Croskey Recreation Center; Frank Deluca YMCA; Greater New Hope Church; Lillian Bryant Center, Ocala Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu,” said Christian in a press release on Tuesday. 

For more information on distribution locations and available food choices, see the Food and Nutrition Services Homepage or call 352-671-4190.