Spokane Public Schools in Washington will be providing free meals to students throughout the city this summer.

Photo byAnnie SprattonUnsplash

Families were given more information about the program on Monday. Any Spokane public school that offers academic programs during the summer will also provide free meals to students under 18 years old, regardless of their income level.

Last summer, the district distributed around 1,500 to 1,800 meals daily across Spokane. Additionally, the federal government offers nutritional resources for children through the USDA Food and Nutrition Service program.

Child Food Insecurity Rates in Spokane

Data collected by Feeding America shows that the child food insecurity rate in Spokane County was 17.2% in 2020. Nationally, 8.8% of families, including parents and children, faced food insecurity in 2022 according to USDA data.

Save the Children, an advocacy organization focusing on youth issues, estimates that 1 in 6 American children struggles with hunger. More information on childhood nutrition advocacy can be found through their website.

Meal Sites and Schedules

Parents can expect to receive a complete list of meal sites and schedules in late May. This information will also be posted on the front doors of local schools, making it easily accessible to the community.

What Are Your Thoughts?

• What do you think about programs like the free summer meals initiative by Spokane Public Schools?
• How important do you think it is to address child food insecurity at a community level?
• What are some ways we can continue to support families facing food insecurity throughout the year?

Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!