With summer underway, programs are available to ensure South Dakota’s students aren’t missing out on important meals.
Officials say these programs are always looking for more support, though.
The USDA's summertime meal program runs through the beginning of August and offers free, nutritious meals to students facing food insecurity.
“A lot of kids receive meals through the school nutrition program during the school year, but that lapses over the summer when school is not in session," said Mikayla Hardy, the state's child nutrition program director. "That’s where the summer food program can step in and help overcome some of those barriers.”
Hardy said there are two options for students.
“There’s the summer food service program and the seamless summer option," Hardy said. "They’re pretty similar, and they’re offered throughout the entire state, open to kids 0-18. They can go online and find different sites to find a location near to them.”
There are dozens of food service program sites across the state.
Hardy said these programs can use any additional support.
"Community members can be a part of the program by looking online for their nearest food service location, calling that place and asking if they can volunteer their time to prepare or serve food to local children," Hardy said. "Community organizations can also reach out to local meal sites providing those meals and see if there is a way they could maybe team up.”