Summer BreakSpot program kicks off Tuesday
With school out and summer under way, the Florida’s Summer BreakSpot program will kick off with an event at Paul Sanborn Park Tuesday.
“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.”
The kickoff event, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., will take place Tuesday, June 7, at 2310 S.E. 3rd St. The Summer BreakSpot Kickoff is a partnership with the city of Cape Coral’s Parks & Recreation Department, The School District of Lee County and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The kickoff will include the Cape Coral Parks & Recreation Fun-Mobile, offering free games and activities. There also will be craft projects and basketball, or soccer with a Cape Coral police officer. From 11 a.m. to noon, the School District of Lee County will provide free lunches to those 18 years old and younger.
Food and Nutrition Services Coordinator Amy Carroll said the summer feeding program is operating out of 85 sites, 60 of which are school based.
“The program is open to any child in Lee County, zero to 18 years old. Even if they are on vacation, they can get a free meal, breakfast and lunch, Monday through Friday,” she said.
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.
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.
The Cape Coral Fun-Mobile will continue to offer free recreational activities every week day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Paul Sanborn Park and lunches will be offered from 11 a.m. to noon.
There is a two-week menu cycle, which includes such kids favorites as hamburgers, pizza, chicken nuggets and grilled cheese for lunch. 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 previous years. 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.
To reach MEGHAN BRADBURY, please email news@breezenewspapers.com