Where Pierce County kids can get a free meal: Summer feeding program in full swing

Summer is a great time to be a kid — unless you’re hungry and can’t get enough to eat.

One option for families is the Summer Food Service Program, providing free meals around Pierce County for kids ages 1 through 18. The program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).

Officials say they’re trying to reach as many children as possible who get help the rest of the year through the free-and-reduced lunch program at school.

Last year, according to the OSPI, the summer program served an average of 51,000 meals per day at 989 sites around Washington.

“Many children don’t eat because they can’t get to the sites,” said Jennifer Mitchell, who supervises the program for OSPI. “Transportation is a barrier.”

“We are improving access; all we can do is try to do better,” Mitchell said.

The meals are served at area parks, schools, churches and community centers. Days of the week, times and meals offered may vary at the different sites, and are subject to change. No weekend meals are provided. For more information, call the phone number listed next to the sponsor of the site you are interested in.

The food is available to children, but not accompanying parents or other adults. No money, ID or proof of citizenship are required.

For additional information on the program, go to: resources.parenthelp123.org/services/summer-meals or call or call the Family Food Hotline: 888-436-6392 (888-4FOODWA), or call the Free Summer Food Contact Number: 866-EAT-MEAL (866-328-6325). TTY number 360-664-3631.

Bethel Schools: 253-683-6910

Chinese Community Center: 253-376-3553

Clover Park School District: 253-583-7380

Enumclaw School District: 360-802-7714

Food Lifeline: 206-545-6600, ext. 3660

Franklin Pierce School District: 253-298-4602, ext. 4602

House of Prayer Church of God in Christ: 253-473-6612

Joint Base Lewis-McChord: 253-966-4060

Metro Parks, Tacoma: 253-305-1022

Peninsula Community Foundation: 253-720-4453

St. Leo Food Connection: 253-383-5048

Sumner School District: 253-891-6450

Tacoma School District: 253-571-3378

The Evergreen State College: 360-867-6012

The Salvation Army: 253-847-2511, ext. 13

YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap: 253-460-8894

This story was originally published June 27, 2015 at 8:45 AM with the headline "Where Pierce County kids can get a free meal: Summer feeding program in full swing."