Summer is a time for sunshine, adventure, and fun. For many families, it's also a season when school meals aren't as easy to come by. To help fill that gap, Owen County Schools has offered a meals-to-go program throughout the summer, allowing parents and caregivers to pick up several days' worth of nutritious meals at once for their children to enjoy at home.
Free Meals for Every Child
Through the SUN Meals program, all children ages 1 through 18 have been eligible to receive free meals during the summer months. SUN Meals provides free, nutritious breakfasts, lunches, suppers, and snacks designed to help children get the nutrition they need to learn, play, and grow while school is out.
The meals-to-go format has made the program more convenient for families, cutting down on the number of trips needed by allowing multiple days of meals to be picked up in a single visit. For many households, that convenience has made it easier to keep kids fed with healthy food throughout the summer break.
One Final Pickup Remains
Families who have taken part in the program, or who would still like to, have one more opportunity to pick up meals this summer. The final meal pickup will take place next Wednesday, August 12, at the normal pickup times of 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Owen County Lower Elementary.
Families are encouraged to take advantage of this last pickup date before the program wraps up for the season.
Why Summer Meal Programs Matter
For many children, school meals are a consistent source of nutrition during the school year. When summer break arrives, that daily support can disappear which makes programs like SUN Meals an important resource for families in our community. By offering free meals to all children regardless of income, the program removes barriers and ensures that nutrition doesn't take a summer vacation.
Owen County Schools remains committed to supporting the whole child, both in and out of the classroom. Programs like this one reflect that commitment, helping make sure students return to school in the fall healthy, nourished, and ready to learn!
Looking Ahead
As the summer feeding season comes to a close, Owen County Schools thanks the families, staff, and community partners who made this program possible. Families with questions about the final pickup or future meal programs are encouraged to reach out to Owen County School Nutrition.