Free Lunch Program Runs Through Aug. 12

Hillsborough County is participating in the Summer Food Service Program, going on now through Aug. 12, to provide free nutritious lunches and afternoon snacks to children at more than 80 sites throughout Hillsborough County.

According to a press release from Hillsborough County, these sites are in geographical areas of where 50 percent or more of the children qualify for free or reduced-price meals during the school year.

Too often children are left searching for unhealthy foods to eat when their parents are working or not in the home. When there is not enough food to go around, their nutritional needs are not met and their choices are not always the best. The purpose of the Summer Food Program is to provide a balanced meal regardless of race, color, sex, disability, age national origin or income during summer vacation when school breakfasts and lunches are not available. 

Applications or eligibility are not required. Summer camp registration is not a requirement. Summer Food Program sites are located at schools and other locations in the community to provide meals to all children in the surrounding area, in addition to those enrolled in summer school. 

Any child age 18 and under can visit a participating site to eat a free lunch and/or afternoon snack. The Summer Food Service Program for Children is federally funded and operated by the Hillsborough County Family and Aging Services Department.

Local participating sites include:

Bill Carey Boys & Girls Club, 213 N. Knights Ave., Brandon

Brandon Recreation Center, 510 E. Sadie St., Brandon

Earl Harris Karate Academy I, 3220 Lithia-Pinecrest Road, Valrico

Earl Harris Karate Academy II, 931 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon

Providence Park West, 5417 Providence Road, Riverview

Riverview Park, 7807 Capitano Drive, Riverview.