Summer is a critical time for maintaining and boosting the academic and physical well-being of children. During the summer, children are at a greater risk of both weight gain and hunger. Summer meals programs, which include the Summer Food Services Program and the Seamless Summer Option/National School Lunch Program, provide free summer meals for kids and serve as an important source of nutritious food for out-of-school children and youth. Free, nutritious meals also serve as an incentive for children to participate in summer enrichment programs, which means children are not only well-fed, but in a safe environment engaged in academic and recreational activities.
Summer is also a time for vacations, outdoor eating, and celebrations. The tips listed below will help your family celebrate fun summer activities with kid-friendly, healthy food.
Reaching out to 2-1-1 will get you connected to a multilingual 2-1-1 specialist in your area who can put you in touch with local organizations providing critical services to improve and save lives.
Email: uw211help@gmail.com
Call: 2-1-1
Text: Text your zip code to 898-211
Chat: Click here
Catholic Charities of Central Florida
Semoran Food Pantry
1771 N. Semoran Blvd.
Orlando, FL 32807
407-658-1818
The agency provides hunger relief services throughout Central Florida including five food pantries. In addition to food pantries, the agency also provides emergency assistance services throughout the area.
Please call for summer operating hours.
3377 Aloma Avenue
Winter Park, FL 32789
407-628-1692
The Center offers snack packs to anyone who is hungry in Central Florida. The Family & Emergency Services program can provide pantry food items and clothing vouchers and other services to individuals and families who qualify for assistance.
Please call for summer operating hours.
Hotline for food assistance: 407-295-5009
For assistance after hours and on weekends, call United Way’s 2-1-1 telephone hotline for free and confidential information on food, as well as housing, employment, health care, counseling and more.
Benefits Connection — face-to-face SNAP (food stamp) application assistance site information and schedules can be found on the Second Harvest website. Phone – 407-295-2777
Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., SHFB provides SNAP assistance, including the interview portion of the application, here:
VA Medical Center
1st floor multipurpose room
5201 Raymond St Winter Park 32789
407-259-9926
*Must sign in before 3pm
Summer BreakSpot provides free nutritious meals to kids and teens 18 and under during summer break.
To find a location:
