More than 42,000 children in Northwest Arkansas qualify for free or reduced-price lunch during the school year, according to district data, and several local school districts and nonprofits are stepping in to help ensure those students continue to receive meals over the summer.
The Summer Food Service Program, federally funded and administered through the Arkansas Department of Education, allows participating sites to serve free meals to children 18 and under when school is not in session. In Benton County alone, that includes locations in Bentonville, Rogers, Springdale, and smaller communities where mobile and fixed sites operate throughout the summer.
“When we’re not in school, kids don’t have access to that consistent meal source,” said Emily Kitchens, nutrition services director for Springdale Public Schools. “This program helps bridge that gap.”
Springdale Public Schools operates 12 summer meal sites, including at community centers, churches, and mobile stops. The district served over 200,000 meals last summer, with each site offering both breakfast and lunch. Meals are prepared in district kitchens and transported daily to each location.
In Rogers, the district runs nine sites in partnership with local organizations, including the Boys & Girls Club and Community Clinic. Rogers Public Schools served nearly 140,000 meals last summer, according to nutrition services coordinator Lisa Williams.
“We see a lot of the same kids who rely on us during the school year,” Williams said. “It’s important that we maintain that support through the summer.”
Bentonville School District operates six meal sites, including mobile routes that serve apartment complexes with high concentrations of students. The district provided more than 85,000 meals last summer, with help from community volunteers and local sponsors.
“We’re meeting kids where they are,” said Amy Smith, director of child nutrition for Bentonville Schools. “Some families don’t have transportation, so we go to them.”
The Northwest Arkansas Food Policy Council, housed within the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, supports outreach efforts and helps coordinate logistics across districts. The council also works with local nonprofits like Feeding America of Arkansas and the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Ozarks to expand access in rural and underserved areas.
“Summer hunger is a real challenge,” said Dr. Margaret Reed, program director for the Food Policy Council. “These partnerships are essential to making sure no child goes without a meal.”
Meals are served at no cost to children 18 and under, regardless of income or school enrollment. Each meal meets federal nutrition standards and includes components such as whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables. Sites are typically open Monday through Friday, with some offering weekend meal packs.
Parents and caregivers can find a current list of meal sites through the Arkansas Department of Education’s Summer Food Service Program website or by texting “FOOD” to 877-877. The USDA also maintains a national site finder tool that includes Arkansas locations.
Volunteers are needed at most sites to help with meal distribution and setup. Community members interested in supporting the program can contact their local school district’s nutrition services department or partner organizations directly.
Source: 5News KFSM
