By: Dr. Amy Hall, Student Services Administrator, Florida Virtual School

Many students eagerly anticipate the freedom and fun that summer break promises. However, for many students and families, the summer months can be a time of significant struggle and uncertainty. 

During the school year, many students rely on free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch provided by their schools. According to the Food Research & Action Center, millions of children in the U.S. receive free or reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and the School Breakfast Program (SBP). These meals often serve as a crucial nutritional support for children from low-income households. 

With the arrival of summer, this lifeline is disrupted, leaving families scrambling to fill the gap. To help, I’ve put together a few resources that families can use to combat food insecurity over the summer. 

1) Summer BreakSpot

Programs like Summer BreakSpot provide a vital service. Run by the Department of Agriculture, Summer BreakSpot ensures that children and teens up to 18 years old continue to receive nutritious meals during the summer months. These meals are provided at no cost and are available at various community sites such as schools, parks, libraries, and churches.

How to Access Summer BreakSpot:

• Website: Visit Summer BreakSpot for detailed information on meal site locations, operating hours, and additional resources.
• Text: Parents and guardians can text "Food" or "Comida" to 304-304 to find nearby meal sites.
• Call: Dial 2-1-1 to speak with an operator who can provide information on local meal sites and other assistance programs.

Additional Resources to Combat Food Insecurity

Several other resources are available to support families facing food insecurity:

1. 211 Helpline: A nationwide resource, 211 connects individuals to local services and support. By dialing 2-1-1, families can get information on food banks, meal programs, housing assistance, and other vital services.
2. Local Food Banks and Pantries: Many communities have food banks and pantries that provide groceries and meals to those in need. Organizations like Feeding America have networks of food banks across the country.
3. SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program): SNAP provides financial assistance to low-income families to purchase groceries. Eligibility and application information can be found on the USDA website.
4. Community and Faith-Based Organizations: Churches, community centers, and local nonprofits often run food distribution programs and offer other forms of assistance.

While summer can be a challenging time for families with food insecurity, resources like Summer BreakSpot and other community programs provide essential support. By leveraging these resources, families can navigate the summer months with greater ease and ensure that their children continue to receive the nourishment they need. 

About the author: Dr. Amy Hall is a licensed mental health counselor with more than 25 years of experience in both the mental health and K-12 field. She has been a part of the FLVS team for more than four years and resides in Volusia County. Hall works regularly with students and families to help them achieve their emotional and personal goals.