Making sure kids get the food they need during breaks from school

Spring break is usually a time for fun in the sun for most kids. But, for some, it’s a time where they’ll be going without food.

More than 85,000 children across the state do not know where their next meal will come from. Many of them depend on free or reduced meals from school to feed them.

But, steps are being taken to ensure those kids have food on the table, as well, even during a break.

If this country has learned anything from the pandemic, it’s that our neighbors need help. We’ve all seen the long line of cars waiting for food.

However, what we don’t see is which of these folks count on schools to feed their children.

Nikki Fried is Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture. “71% of Florida students are eligible for free or reduced meals,” Fried said. “For many of our kids, it’s the only meal in which they can count on.”

There is a new bill in the Florida legislature that would ensure those who don’t know where their next meal will be, will be able to eat at school free of charge.

Darryl Rouson is a Florida State Senator representing Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties.  “The bill will work to provide free breakfast to students by eliminating the reduced-price meal category. This will help reduce the stigma associated with children receiving free breakfast instead of a reduced price,” Rouson said.

Allison Tant is in the Florida House of Representatives and represents Leon County. “What I love about this Bill is, in addition to helping our school children have healthy food, is what we’re doing to promote Florida produce among state entities as well as supporting our local farmers,” Tant said.

During the pandemic, all students, whether they’re in school in-person or online, are eligible for free breakfast and lunch until at least the end of September.  This program is free to everyone regardless of income.

Lee and Collier County schools do provide meals to students over the summer break. However, only Collier County schools will provide its students with meals for the week of spring break, which is next week.