JCPS will continue offering free meals to kids during summer meal program

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) - Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) announced on Monday they will continue serving free meals to children in Louisville this summer.

More than 140 schools and community sites across the city will participate in the summer meal program, serving free breakfast and lunch to kids, the release said.

A typical breakfast may include bagels, accompanied by juice and milk. Meals served for lunch could feature chicken, an apple, biscuits, potato wedges/tater tots and milk.

The food service will be available Monday through Friday.

The district said on Monday they are expecting more people to take advantage of the program this year due to inflation on gas and food prices.

“I realize it does create a type of barrier for parents with increase in gas prices having to come out to each day to the site,” Terina Edington, JCPS Nutrition Services Assistant Director said. “But in a family of three for example, being able to bring your kids for breakfast and lunch can be a significant financial help to a family which is used to getting breakfast and lunch through the national school lunch program through the school day.”

According to the release, six mobile units will be stopping at 32 pools, parks and other locations with ready-to-eat meals for any child that is 18 years or younger. Meals are not available to adults.

“In some cases, the only hot, nutritious meal a student is getting each day is in their school cafeteria,” Superintendent of JCPS Dr. Marty Pollio said. “That’s why we are committed to providing meals to our youth beyond the end of the school year.”

Over the past two summers, families could pick up meals curbside due to the COVID.

Since the U.S. Congress did not extend the waiver that permits curbside meal service, students will be required to eat their breakfasts and lunches on-site and are not permitted to take them home this year.

A list of the meal sites and times can be found on the JCPS Summer Meals website.

On Monday, the Indiana Department of Education announced a similar program for students in the state of Indiana.

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