SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Families across Illinois can access free meals and snacks this summer for children 18 and younger through federal nutrition programs administered by the Illinois State Board of Education.
More than 1,000 meal sites across 72 counties are currently participating, with additional locations still being added throughout the summer.
State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders said the program helps ensure children continue receiving healthy meals while school is out.
“No child should go hungry when school is out,” Sanders said. “These programs make sure kids stay healthy and nourished all summer long.”
Illinois currently operates two main programs: the Summer Food Service Program, with more than 850 sites, and the Seamless Summer Option, with about 225 sites statewide.
Families can find nearby meal locations by using the USDA Summer Meals Site Finder online, texting “Summer” to 914-342-7744, or calling the USDA National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-3-HUNGRY.
Officials say participation is expected to grow as more sponsors and sites are approved in the coming weeks. Last summer, Illinois programs served more than 1 million meals and snacks across most of the state.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has also expanded flexibility in some rural areas, allowing eligible programs to offer grab-and-go meal options to improve access for families.
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