With school out for summer, here’s where to find free meals in Florida
Updated: 11:08 PM EDT Jun 18, 2026
Food insecurity affects 1 in 8 children in the U.S., according to the nonprofit Feed the Children. With school out for summer, the millions of children who count on free school meals are put at higher risk of suffering physical and mental health problems as a result of summer hunger, the nonprofit’s website states. It’s further stated that improper nutrition can intensify a phenomenon called “summer slide,” harming a child’s learning during the summer and leading to poor performance once school starts again. Nearly 100,000 schools and child care institutions provide low-cost or free lunches during the school year through the National School Lunch Program. The USDA continues to provide meals during the summer through its Summer Food Service Program, offering free meals and snacks to people 18 and younger. Use the interactive map below to find free summer meals in Florida:
ORLANDO, Fla. —
Food insecurity affects 1 in 8 children in the U.S., according to the nonprofit Feed the Children. With school out for summer, the millions of children who count on free school meals are put at higher risk of suffering physical and mental health problems as a result of summer hunger, the nonprofit’s website states.
It’s further stated that improper nutrition can intensify a phenomenon called “summer slide,” harming a child’s learning during the summer and leading to poor performance once school starts again.
Nearly 100,000 schools and child care institutions provide low-cost or free lunches during the school year through the National School Lunch Program. The USDA continues to provide meals during the summer through its Summer Food Service Program, offering free meals and snacks to people 18 and younger.
Use the interactive map below to find free summer meals in Florida: