Superintendent of Public Instruction James Lane reminded Virginia families that free nutritious meals are available this summer through two summer meals programs.
The Summer Food Service Program and the Seamless Summer Option operate at schools, public housing centers, community centers, playgrounds, camps, parks and houses of worship. Last summer, meals were served under the two programs at approximately 1,000 locations in the commonwealth.
“Nearly 600,000 Virginia students rely on nutritious free or reduced-priced school meals to support their developing minds and bodies during the school year,” Lane said. “I am grateful for all our summer meals sponsors and partners who keep our students and their families connected to wholesome and nutritious meals during the summer months so they are ready to learn when the new school year begins in August and September.”
Children ages 18 and under may receive nutritious meals at participating locations with no proof of identity required. Children receiving Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) benefits are also eligible to access nutritious summer meals at Summer Food Service Program and Seamless Summer Option sites.
Families may use the online USDA Meals for Kids Site Finder to find nearby summer meals program locations. Parents and others may also text “food” or “comida” to 877-877 to receive a list of nearby feeding centers.
The summer meals programs, which are funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, allow organizations to combine feeding programs with other activities in communities where at least 50 percent of children qualify for free or reduced-price school meals. Due to pandemic-related federal waivers, schools and other sponsors in all Virginia communities are eligible to participate in both summer meals programs through summer 2021.
In accordance with federal civil rights law and USDA civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the agency (state or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992.
