DES MOINES — Throughout the summer, children can enjoy healthy meals at no charge through the Summer Food Service Program and Seamless Summer Option, which are federally funded and administered by the Iowa Department of Education. School districts and local organizations manage and operate the meal sites, which are located in communities throughout the state.
Summer meal programs provide free meals and snacks to all children ages 18 and under at sites located in low-income areas and help increase access to healthy food options during the summer break. Children and youth have access to meals within their local and nearby communities at a variety of locations, including schools, churches, community centers, parks, libraries and camps.
In the city of Oskaloosa, there are summer meal sites at Oskaloosa Elementary and Oskaloosa Middle School, the Osky Public Library, Webster Elementary, and the College Avenue Friends Church Park, in addition to one in University Park at the Community Center.
Families can find their local summer meal sites through the following three options:
- Text “Food” or “Comida” to 304-304
- Call for assistance
- 2-1-1
- 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479), English
- 1-877-8-HAMBRE (1-877-842-6273), Spanish
- Visit https://www.fns.usda.gov/
summer/sitefinder
Meals are provided on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Additional information for the Summer Food Service Program and Summer Seamless Option are found on the Department’s website.
