OCPS offering free meals during summer

Orange County Public Schools will be offering free meals to children and teens ages 18 and under throughout the summer.

Through a sponsorship of the USDA Summer Food Service Program, the school district will be serving meals to children and teens through August 9 — with the exception of July 4 — at various locations throughout the county. Participating sites will be offering breakfast, lunch and snacks on Mondays through Fridays. Site information and serving times can be found online, by phone or by text.

Meals offered will vary by site, and include hot and cold entrees, fresh fruits and vegetables, deli sandwiches and more. Food service locations include schools, community centers, libraries and children’s activity and recreation centers.

“The program is funded by USDA, and children ages 2 to 18 are eligible to eat the planned meal at no charge,” OCPS spokeswoman Lorena Arias said. “The meals include breakfast, lunch and/or a snack, and will include fresh watermelon and other fruits and vegetables and milk every day. Various school sites will be serving hot meals, and include entrees such as hamburgers, chicken wings, nachos and pizza. At most community centers the meals will include a cold entree such as southwest chicken salad, turkey and cheese and other deli sandwiches”