Free Summer Meals for Kids Hits New Record

The Hawaii State Department of Education today announced 71 public schools will serve meals through its summer food service program, Seamless Summer Option, including three in Maui County: Waiheʻe Elementary, Wailuku Elementary and Kaunakakai Elementary on Molokaʻi.

A complete list of participating schools is available HERE.

“The Department is excited to see an increase in the number of schools that have stepped up to feed our keiki this summer. This is typically a period of time where our most vulnerable students do not have access to services that they normally would during the school year,” said Dann Carlson, assistant superintendent, Office of School Facilities and Support Services. “Our hope is that more students will enjoy a free meal, simply by stopping by one of our participating schools.”

Beginning in early June, the SSO program will be available at public schools around the state free of charge to all children 18 years and younger. Meals will be served at select locations Monday through Friday, except June 11 (King Kamehameha Day) and July 4 (Independence Day). Parents are encouraged to call their child’s school directly to find out the specific times for meal service.

SSO is funded by the US Department of Agriculture and was established to ensure that low-income children continue to receive nutritious meals during the summer. An eligible school must have 50% or more of its regular enrolled students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunches and some type of summer program on campus. However, meal recipients do not have to be enrolled in those classes to be served.

For additional community Summer Food Service Program site locations, click here.