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Summer Break Spot – Florida’s Free Summer Lunch Program for Kids 18 and Under

Summer Break Spot Free Meals Florida

The Summer BreakSpot Program provides free summer meals in Florida for kids under 18 while school is out during the summer months. No registration is required!

Free summer lunches and meals are available at community centers, libraries, churches, childcare centers, and local schools. Sites offer free breakfast, lunches, snacks, and/or supper for children under 18.

If you’re looking for free lunch near you, Summer Break Spot locations can be found across the entire state of Florida, including more than 50 locations in the area we cover in Lakeland, Winter Haven, and Polk County. Based on a quick search it seems that many locations in Polk County begin serving free lunches on June 7, 2023 but it can vary by location.

We also have a schedule of Mobile Food Pantry Pick-Up Locations where additional food is available at no cost.

Where to find Free Summer Lunch Near You

To find a location, visit the Summer Meal Program site finder map. You can also find a location by texting the word “Food” or “Comida” to 304-304, or call 211.

At most sites serving meals to children, there is no application necessary, and any child 18 or younger can simply come during meal times to receive a free meal.

Note that DATES and HOURS vary at every location. Please note that not all sites are open daily or provide every meal. Review site details prior to visiting, and contact the site directly if you have questions about hours or meals. Get details and contact information for each location in the Summer BreakSpot Location Finder.

Polk County Schools Summer Meal Sites

Many of the locations on the Summer Break Spot website are Polk County Schools. During previous summers, PCPS also provided to-go breakfast and lunch pick up. For 2023, this is being done through one program – Summer Break Spot – and is coordinated by Polk County Schools. Some Summer Break Spot locations will be at local schools but you may also find them at summer camps, community centers, and other locations.

For updates and additional details visit the Polk County Schools Nutrition Facebook Page.

How is food served at a Summer Break Spot?

Free summer meals are available for kids and teens. Summer BreakSpot sites serve healthy meals that meet USDA guidelines and include a combination of milk, fruits, vegetables, grains, and protein. They are nutritious meals much like school meals served during the school year. In some previous years lunches were served in a grab-and-go setting, however for 2023, food must be consumed on site. (This is due to a change in government requirements).

About the Florida Summer Break Spot Program

The Summer BreakSpot Program, also called the Summer Food Service Program, is a federal nutrition program that local nonprofits and schools use to ensure that kids in their communities don’t go hungry during the summer. This free summer lunch program is funded by the federal government under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and, in Florida, administered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Sites are locally operated by nonprofit organizations (sponsors) that provide the meals and receive a reimbursement from USDA.

Summer Fun Guide

Be sure to check out our Ultimate Guide to Summer Fun for Summer Camps, Things to Do Around Lakeland, Things to Do at Home, Open Playgrounds, Places to Play Outdoors, FREE Bowling, Swim Lessons, 4th of July Events, Reading programs, Online Camps, and much more!