SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Illinois officials are reminding families that a free meal program for children is continuing until August.
The program is designed to provide kids with healthy lunches and breakfasts while school is not in session. State Board of Education officials say they expect to serve 4 million meals at local schools, parks and community centers across Illinois this summer.
The annual federally funded program has about 2,200 sites. Officials say more than half the sites don’t require children to apply or show proof of family income to receive a free meal.
State Superintendent of Education Christopher Koch says it’s important to remember that poverty and hunger don’t end when schools close for summer vacation.
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Online: www.summerfeedingillinois.org
