CUPHD offering free meals for children in area

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) — Free meals will be available for kids in the Champaign-Urbana area through July and a weekend in August.

The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) is once again hosting the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) starting on Friday, July 24.

The program, sponsored by the Illinois State Board of Education, offers free breakfast and lunch for children during the summer when area school districts are not running similar program.

"The Summer Food Service Program is an essential service for our community. We know that many children receive their best, or only, meals at school," Program Coordinator Jennifer Lotton said. "The local school districts do an incredible job feeding our youth during the school year and throughout the summer. We are happy to be able to fill the gap for the few days they are closed this summer."

SFSP will run July 24-31 and August 10-12. Meals will be served to kids aged 1-18 in the CUPHD lobby at 201 West Kenyon Road in Champaign. Breakfast is served from 9-10:30 a.m. and lunch is served from 12:45-2:15 p.m. All meals must be eaten on site, and no sign-up is required.

"We invited families with children to participate in this program. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve our community and appreciate the participation of local families," Administrator Dr. Mamadou Tounkara said. "Our goal is to provide a welcoming, inclusive space where children and families can enjoy nutritious meals and connect with one another throughout the summer."

Families can find SFSP schedules for Unit 4 schools here. Schedules for Urbana School District 116 can be found here.