(KTXL) — Even though school is out for the summer, many families may still need free meals for their kids.
For those looking to help, there is an online search tool to help find local summer dining locations.
Families can find out where free meals are being offered by using the Summer Meal Site Finder, which currently has data for 30 states. The site was developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service.
How to use the tool
The online tools are free, and the web-based applications can be used on tablets, smartphones and other mobile devices.
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Once the webpage opens, the free dining locations will be displayed on a map, with the locations distinguished by blue or orange dots.
The online tool allows you to find two types of sites: dine-in sites (blue dots) and grab-and-go sites (orange dots), both of which offer free meals and snacks for kids 18 and under.
Families across the country can search for free summer meals using the USDA’s Summer Meals for Kids Site Finder. (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Department of Agriculture)
The online tool also has a search bar where you can enter your address or zip code to see if there are any summer dining locations near you.
If your search returns no results, it’s possible that any summer sites near that address are not open for the season or have already closed, the USDA said. Officials urge people to check the site search frequently, as it is updated every Friday.
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Users can also report erroneous data in Site Finder to their local state government agency.
Where can I get food service?
As of May 24, Site Finder has data for the following states:
Alaska
Arkansas
Arizona
•California
Colorado
•Florida
Georgia
Iowa
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Minnesota
Missouri
Mississippi
North Carolina
North Dakota
Nebraska
•Oregon
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
•Texas
Utah
•Virginia
Wisconsin
West Virginia
What to do if your state isn’t on the list
The USDA is urging people who can’t find free meal services in their state to contact the site or their local state agency directly to explore options.
Families who need additional food assistance for their children can also contact the USDA’s National Hunger Hotline. There are two hotlines, one in English and one in Spanish.
The numbers below can be reached Monday through Friday from 7am to 10pm Eastern Time.
•1-866-348-6479 (English)
1-877-842-6273 (Spanish)
