Lexington kids have fewer options for free summer meals. Here’s what to know, where to get them
Summer meal programs are launching at schools throughout Fayette County, but the assistance available this year will look a lot different as the federal government rolls back the support it offered throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
The changes hinge on the looming expiration June 30 of federal waivers that allowed schools increased flexibility in how they serve students meals.
The biggest change permitted all children – regardless of their family’s income – to receive free meals, according to a report by The Conversation.
The waivers also allowed schools to develop “grab-and-go” options for their summer meal programs. When coronavirus cases surged during the pandemic, the flexibility offered schools a safe way to continue providing meals to students.
Now with the waivers set to expire this month, children will need to be brought to meal sites by a parent or guardian and eat the meal on-site.
Advocates urged Congress to sustain the waivers, but ultimately, representatives left the funding out of a $1.5 trillion spending bill President Joe Biden signed in March.
Here’s what you need to know about summer meal assistance programs in Fayette County, including a list of sites, dates and times where children can access free meals if eligible.
Fayette County Public Schools offers free summer meals
According to a notice on the school district’s website, free summer meals are now available to all individuals under the age of 18.
Parents cannot pick up meals on behalf of their children, the child must also come to the meal site and eat it there. Only one meal will be available per child.
The school district’s summer meal program runs this year Monday through Thursday until June 30, before breaking for Independence Day weekend. It gears back up July 5, running Monday through Friday before concluding July 22.
Fayette County Public Schools summer meals sites
A list of sites where FCPS will be serving free meals for those under age 18 is below.
Other options for summer meals for children
It’s worth noting FCPS is just one of several sponsors offering meal assistance to children this summer.
For other options, parents and guardians can call Employment Solutions at 859-253-2658 or God’s Pantry Food Bank at 859-255-6592. God’s Pantry also recently opened a new, no-referral-needed food bank at a Lexington Public Library branch where people of all ages can receive food assistance.
Additionally, if you’re outside Lexington or just want to quickly find a summer meal site near you, you can text “FOOD” (or COMIDA) to 304-304.
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