Author: Claire Hurd

Summer is out in full force here in the Inland Northwest! You may think of summer as endless sunshine, poolside weekends, and barbecues… But summer can be an especially difficult time for children and families who utilize school meal programs. When school lets out for summer, those resources often disappear until the beginning of a new academic year. However, this summer may look a little different, read on for more insight! 

Some local schools are continuing their lunch programs for low-income families throughout this summer. These meals will be available for children 18 and under. Please check with your local school district for details.  

Alternatively, you can text “FOOD” to 877-877 to find a location near you for free children’s meals. 

Spokane

There is no cost or registration for these programs. The plan is to present each child with one breakfast and one lunch meal everyday throughout 22 different Spokane Public School locations. Meal service will begin on June 28th.  

Click here to find a participating Spokane school near you: link  

The Central Valley School District will also have a Free Breakfast and Lunch Program running this summer. Kids ages 1-18 can receive a hot lunch and a breakfast for the next day from June 22 – August 13, 2021 (no meal service July 2 or 5.). Pick up times run Monday–Friday, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. More information for free meals and other additional resources can be found here.  

Coeur d’Alene

The Coeur d’Alene School District is offering a Summer Meals 2021 program that will run from June 21-August 16 (closed July 2-July 7). Select cafeterias will be open for indoor dining with social distancing protocols in place. Free lunch will be served between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm to children 1-18 years old. Adults have the option to eat lunch for $4.50. Find participating schools here.  

Tri-Cities

Pasco School District is offering a 2021 Food Service Program this summer. Schools will have varying start and end dates. Click here for those details. This program makes meals available to children 18 and younger at no charge. 

Richland School District’s Summer Meals Program kicked off on June 21st and will run through July 29th. Free food will be available Monday through Friday to all children attending summer programs at Richland elementary and middle schools or in Boys & Girls Club child care. Kids will receive grab-and-go breakfasts and lunches at the end of their day at school or while attending Boys & Girls Club. Families whose children are not participating in the summer programs or Boys & Girls Club may pick up daily meals from noon to 12:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday at locations via this link. 

Kennewick will also be providing free grab-n-go bags filled with breakfast and lunch to children 18 and under. This is a USDA Summer Food Program for Children. Pre-ordering is not required, and families may pick up food outside any of the schools listed here. Please pay close attention to the changes made once summer school lets out. 

*Note: Some of the distribution locations will not be operating on July 5th in light of Independence Day.  

Alternative Summer Food Resources

Food Banks: 

Your local food bank is always a great option for extra food assistance. You can find your local food bank by using our interactive map on our website.  

Most food banks serve those who live within their respective zip code. Some may ask for identification or proof of address. Please have those ready if needed and check on hours of operation.  

Mobile Markets: 

Second Harvest Mobile Markets will be available throughout the summer. To find one near you, click here.