The Georgia Department of Education School Nutrition Program recently announced the availability of free meals to children during summer break.
Through the federally funded program, Seamless Summer Option, any child under the age of 18 may receive a free meal at any pre-approved location throughout the state. There is no income qualification or registration requirement to receive this benefit.
During the academic year, Georgia schools serve more than half a million breakfasts and approximately 1.1 million lunches daily. More than 77 percent of these meals are provided for free or at a reduced price through the School Breakfast Program and National School Lunch Program. Currently, Georgia ranks first both in breakfast and lunch participation levels for states with more than 1 million students. Compared to all states, Georgia ranks in the top five.
School food authorities participating in the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program are eligible to apply for the Seamless Summer Option so that meals may continue to be served to the children in their respective communities during the summer. On average, more than 2,200 locations in Georgia continue serving school meals by participating in the Seamless Summer Option.