Free summer meals return for children across Okaloosa County starting June 2

Okaloosa County, Florida – A lot of families in Okaloosa County are worried about what’s for lunch after the last school bell rings for the summer. This year, the Okaloosa County School District is once again stepping in to help. They are working with Summer Break Spot to launch their 2025 Summer Feeding Program.

During the summer break, local schools will open their cafeterias as community centers, where kids 18 and under can have free breakfasts and lunches. No forms or registration are needed. Anyone under 18 can come in and get a healthy meal for free. It’s a simple notion that helps a lot of families, especially when school meals are on hold.

Families should be aware of several key changes this year. According to new rules from the USDA and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, all meals must be eaten on site. That means students can’t have “grab-and-go” or take-home meals anymore, so they need to plan to sit and eat at the serving schools at certain times. You can only get meals on weekdays; service stops on weekends and on July 4th.

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The summer meal program is developed with inclusion in mind.  All kids, no matter where they come from or what their situation is, are welcome. This program is only for neighborhoods where at least half of the students can get free or reduced meals during the school year. However, the invitation to eat extends beyond just students in summer classes. Children living nearby are also welcome to stop in for a meal.

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Parents and guardians should verify the most recent information on where and when meals are served, as the schedule may change if the number of people who want to participate changes. The school district wants families to check back often so they don’t miss anything.

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For a lot of kids in Okaloosa County, this program is more than just a meal. It’s a steady source of food, a way to stay on track, and a way to connect with other people all summer long.