County Announces Sites for Free Summer Lunch Program

News Report:

Hillsborough County is participating in the Summer Food Service Program, going on June 11 through Aug. 10, to provide free, nutritious lunches and afternoon snacks to children at more than 40 sites throughout Hillsborough County. These sites are in geographical areas where 50 percent or more of the children qualify for free or reduced-price meals during the school year.

Too often, children are left searching for unhealthy foods to eat when their parents are working or not in the home. When there is not enough food to go around, their nutritional needs are not met and their choices are not always the best.

The purpose of the Summer Food Program is to provide a balanced meal regardless of race, color, sex, disability, age, national origin or income during summer vacation when school breakfasts and lunches are not available.

Applications or eligibility are not required. County summer camp registration is not a requirement. Summer Food Program sites are located at schools and other locations in the community to provide meals to all children in the surrounding area, in addition to those enrolled in summer school. Any child age 18 and under can visit a participating site to eat a free lunch and/or afternoon snack.

Local sites include:

• Friendship Park, 4124 W. Bay to Bay Blvd.

• Interbay Boys and Girls Club, 4002 S. Coolidge Ave.

• Liberty Mompierre Boys and Girls Club, 4160 W. Mango Ave.

• Port Tampa Park, 4701 W. Lancaster St.

• Rey Park, 2301 N. Howard Ave.

The Summer Food Service Program for Children is federally funded and operated by the Hillsborough County Family and Aging Services Department.

If any site is interested in serving as a host site, call 813-272-5160. A list of approved sites can be found under the 2012 Summer Food Program Locations link.

For more information, contact Summer Food Program for Children at 813-272-5160.