When the bell rings on the last day of school in June, many children across Lane County look forward to long summer days filled with sunshine. But for thousands of kids, summer also means losing access to the reliable meals they count on during the school year. In Oregon, nearly one in eight children face food insecurity, meaning they don’t consistently have enough food to eat (Feeding America, 2023). For families already stretched thin, summer can be a season of stress, not freedom.

That’s where FOOD For Lane County (FFLC)’s Summer Food Program steps in. Serving youth up to 18 years old, this program provides free, nutritious meals at over 35 sites across Lane County. From neighborhood parks to community centers to libraries, these meal sites offer more than just food – they provide safe, welcoming spaces where children can play, learn, and grow.

“School meals are a great resource for families during the school year,” says Mtima Richardson, Youth & family Programs Manager. “We are committed to extending this support into the summer months to ensure children continue to have access to nutritious meals.”  

And the need is significant. According to the Oregon Hunger Task Force, families often experience a spike in grocery bills during the summer months, which may add financial pressure that can lead to skipped meals or less nutritious food choices. That’s especially troubling when it comes to children. Proper childhood nutrition is essential for brain development, academic success, and long-term health. A lack of access to healthy food can have ripple effects that last beyond summer.

In 2024, FFLC served over 28,000 meals through the Summer Food Program, ensuring that thousands of kids didn’t have to worry about where their next meal would come from. Meals follow USDA nutritional guidelines and are served in locations that are easily accessible to families.

But FFLC is doing more than filling empty stomachs -- they’re also feeding young minds. Through local partnerships, the Summer Food Program brings enrichment activities to its sites, creating an experience that promotes overall well-being.

One of the standout collaborators this past summer was OSU, Lane County Extension. The team provided hands-on nutrition education activities that were fun and informative. Children learned about healthy eating, proper nutrition, and how to make balanced meals on a budget. For families, these lessons are practical and empowering, offering tips for preparing simple meals with minimal ingredients and cost.

To encourage literacy and a love of reading, SMART Reading generously donated nearly 2,000 books that were distributed at all summer meal sites. Children were invited to pick a book to take home, turning mealtime into a moment of fun and imagination.

FFLC also partners with community groups to minimize food waste. In 2024, they donated a total of 9,970 meals that would have otherwise gone uneaten. It’s a win-win that supports sustainability while feeding even more people in the community.

FFLC recognizes that food insecurity doesn’t stop at city limits. This summer, the program expanded to offer meal delivery to two rural communities -- Oakridge and Dexter -- helping ensure kids in these areas have access to the same nutritious meals and engaging programming.

From the outside, a visit to a Summer Food site might look like a group of kids enjoying a sandwich under a shady tree or sipping milk while flipping through a picture book. But behind scenes is a network of caring staff, dedicated volunteers, and community partners working together to meet a critical need.

The Summer Food Program is more than just a meal -- it’s nourishment and hope, served daily. Donations make a lasting impact, because hunger doesn’t take a vacation. To donate, volunteer, or find a meal site near you, visit foodforlanecounty.org