Summer BreakSpot program held throughout county
With school out and summer underway, the Florida’s Summer BreakSpot program is offered at numerous areas in North Fort Myers.
“The School District of Lee County has partnered with the Summer Feeding Program for over 20 years” Food and Nutrition Services Director Kandy Messenger said in a prepared statement. “Serving summer meals to the students when school is not in session is an important service that we are able to provide.”
Food and Nutrition Services Coordinator Amy Carroll said the summer feeding program is operating out of 85 sites, 60 which are school based.
“The program is open to any child in Lee County, zero to 18 years old. Even if they are vacation, they can get a free meal, breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday,” she said.
The North Fort Myers locations include:
• North Fort Myers Community, 2000 N. Recreation Park Way
• Barret Park mobile site, 9335 Westcreek Cir.
• LCHA Community Center, 14170 Warner Cir.
• Tropic Isles Elementary School, 5145 Orange Grove Blvd.
• Good Shepherd Church, 4770 Orange Grove Blvd.
• Suncoast Community Center, 2241 Case Ln.
Carroll said parents can visit www.SummerBreakSpot.org and type in their address to see which sites are located closest to them with times. They can also dial 2-1-1 or text “FoodFL” to 304-304 to receive information about the breakfast and lunch.
“They have three options of figuring out where they want to go and what time they want to go,” she said.
Carroll said the website will continue to have up-to-date times and locations throughout the summer.
There is a two-week menu cycle, which includes such kids favorites as hamburgers, pizza, chicken nuggets and grilled cheese. The breakfast menu includes such favorites as milk, mini bagels, fresh fruit, Nature Valley Oats n’ Honey bars and cereal bowls.
Last year they served 120,000 meals, which was lower than they usually serve. Carroll said they are expecting that number to double this year with summer camps and summer school at full capacity, as well as inflation with food prices and the cost of gas increasing.
“Our normal numbers are around 200,000 or so,” she said.
Carroll said she is very glad they are able to offer the Summer BreakSpot program as there are families struggling.
“Bring your kids to the park, have a day out and play and get a free meal,” Carroll said.
The past two years there have been waivers in place, allowing kiddos to pick up their meals and leave during COVID. This year it will resume to pre-COVID times where the meals have to be consumed on site.
The free breakfast and lunches will continue every week day through July 29. Registration and income is not required to receive a meal.
To reach MEGHAN BRADBURY, please email news@breezenewspapers.com