Public schools offering summer meals to children

KAILUA-KONA — Eighteen Hawaii Island public schools will serve meals through its summer food service program, Seamless Summer Option, which begins next month.

Beginning in early June, the SSO program will be available at public schools around the state free of charge to all children 18 years and under, according to the state Department of Education. Breakfast and lunch meals will be served Monday through Friday, except June 11 (King Kamehameha Day) and July 4 (Independence Day), at 68 locations statewide.

The state Department of Education noted that schedules are subject to change at the discretion of the schools, without notice. Parents are encouraged to call their child’s school directly to find out the specific dates and times for meal service.

The SSO program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and was established to ensure that low-income children continue to receive nutritious meals during the summer. An eligible school must have 50 percent or more of its regular enrolled students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunches and some type of summer program on campus. However, meal recipients do not have to be enrolled in those classes to be served.

Hawaii Island schools offering Seamless Summer Option program:

East Hawaii

• Hilo High

• Hilo High/Ke Kula O Nawahi PCS

• Hilo Intermediate

• Honokaa High & Intermediate

• Keaau Elementary

• Keaau High

• Keaau Middle

• Mountain View Elementary

• Waiakea High

• Waiakea Intermediate

West Hawaii

• Kealakehe High

• Kealakehe Intermediate

• Keaukaha Elementary

• Kohala Elementary

• Kohala High

• Kohala Middle

• Naalehu Elementary

• Waimea Elementary

The Seamless Summer Option is an equal opportunity provider. For more information, visit: https://www.fns.usda.gov/sfsp/seamless-summer-and-other-options-schools.