USDA Meals for Kids Site Finder

Mission:
The USDA Meals for Kids Site Finder is an initiative by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) designed to ensure that children who rely on free or reduced-price meals at school continue to receive nutritious food when schools are closed, such as during summer breaks or public health emergencies.

Services Provided:

• Meal Site Locator: Families can use the Meals for Kids Finder tool to locate nearby sites offering free meals to children. The tool provides directions, hours of operation, and contact information for each site.
• Summer Food Service Program (SFSP): Offers free, nutritious meals to children during the summer months when school is not in session.
• Seamless Summer Option (SSO): Allows schools to continue serving meals to students during summer and other school closures.
• Adaptations During Emergencies: During public health emergencies, the USDA may allow meals to be taken home and for parents or guardians to pick up meals for their children, depending on state regulations.
• National Hunger Hotline: Operated by Hunger Free America, this hotline provides information and assistance for those seeking food resources.

Who Is Served:

• Children and Youth: The primary beneficiaries are children who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals, but the programs are open to all children in the community during eligible periods.
• Families: Parents and guardians can access information and, in some cases, pick up meals for their children.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Generally, all children and youth in the community are eligible to receive meals at participating sites during summer or emergency closures. Specific eligibility may vary by site and program.

Service Area:

• The program is national in scope and includes sites accessible to residents of Louisa County, VA, as well as surrounding counties and regions.

Additional Information:

• The USDA National Hunger Hotline is available Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM Eastern Time, for assistance in English and Spanish.
• The program is designed to reduce food insecurity among children and ensure continued access to healthy meals outside of the regular school year.