Sunshine. Swimming pools. Swing sets. For most kids, summer is the happiest time of the year.
For kids and teens who rely on school meals, summer is a tough time. Many of them struggle to get enough to eat when school is not in session. Buncombe County Schools’ free summer meal program is the answer for healthy and consistent meals.
Four of Buncombe County Recreation Services’ pools are open sites for meal pickup from June 17 through Aug. 9.
“Our belief is that no child should be hungry in our community,” said Buncombe County Schools Nutrition Supervisor Sheryl Harris. “The purpose of the summer meal program is to fill the gap in between school sessions where all children can thrive and succeed. Hunger should not be the obstacle that inhibits their growth as individuals in any way during their formative years.”
Volunteers will distribute free meals to all youth 18 and under during the times listed at the following pools, Monday-Friday. No registration is required.
- Erwin, 58 Lees Creek Road in Asheville, from 11 a.m.-noon.
- Hominy Valley, 25 Twin Lakes Road in Candler, from 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
- North Buncombe, 892 Clarks Chapel Road in Weaverville, from 12:15 p.m.-1:15 p.m.
- Owen, 117 Stone Drive in Swannano, from 11:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
For a full list of Buncombe County Summer Meals open sites, visit their website, text “FOODNC” to 877-877, or call (877) 348-6479 (llame (877) 842-6273 para español).
Entering its fourth summer, the program is made possible through a partnership between Buncombe County Schools, the USDA, and No Kid Hungry. Last summer, the program distributed approximately 76,000 meals and with this year’s longer summer break and increased demand, nutrition specialists are expecting to distribute substantially more meals to kids in need.
To support No Kid Hungry, donate now.
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