Nourishing Kids Beyond the Classroom
When the school year ends, many students lose access to consistent, nutritious meals—often a lifeline for food-insecure families. Schools, however, can play a powerful role in bridging this gap, extending their support beyond the cafeteria and into the community during the summer months. Through thoughtful programming, collaboration, and advocacy, schools can help ensure that students remain nourished and supported even when classes are not in session.
One of the most impactful ways schools can combat summer food insecurity is by participating in the USDA’s Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and the new SUN Meals initiative. These federally funded programs provide free meals to all children under 18, without the need for registration or proof of income. By establishing summer meal sites at schools, parks, libraries, and other community centers, schools can make nutritious meals accessible to families in need. According to the School Nutrition Association (SNA), leveraging such programs not only addresses immediate hunger but also keeps students connected to trusted adults and environments during the summer.
To reach families in underserved or rural areas, many districts are turning to mobile meal delivery solutions. Repurposed school buses and vans, equipped with refrigeration and storage, are delivering meals directly to neighborhoods where transportation may be a barrier. Programs like the CHOW Bus in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, demonstrate how this approach can expand access and remove logistical hurdles for families unable to reach fixed meal sites.
In addition to mobile delivery, non-congregate meal options are gaining traction, especially after the success of waivers during the COVID-19 pandemic. These models allow families to pick up meals or have them delivered to their homes, providing much-needed flexibility. A report highlighting successful rural summer meal programs showed that non-congregate options significantly increased participation and reduced stigma, particularly in communities where gathering in large groups isn’t feasible.
Some school districts are expanding their role beyond meal distribution by becoming Nutrition Hubs. This strategy, supported by the School Nutrition Foundation, encourages districts to maximize all available child nutrition programs—from school breakfast and lunch to afterschool and summer meals. By integrating nutrition services year-round and working in partnership with community organizations, these hubs become a central point of food security support in their communities.
Weekend and take-home meal programs also play a vital role. Initiatives like Blessings in a Backpack or locally organized backpack programs ensure students don’t go hungry over weekends or school breaks. These programs are often funded through community donations and grants and can be easily adapted to include shelf-stable items and culturally relevant food selections.
Pairing nutrition with enrichment activities is another way schools can support holistic development while addressing food insecurity. Programs that offer meals alongside summer reading clubs, STEM camps, or recreational sports provide dual benefits—keeping kids fed and engaged. The Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) emphasizes that this combination is especially effective in reducing the “summer slide” while improving physical and mental health outcomes.
Farm-to-school initiatives are also making an impact, particularly in rural and Indigenous communities. By involving students in growing, preparing, and learning about food, schools can promote self-sufficiency and healthy eating habits. A noteworthy example is the Umoⁿhoⁿ Nation Public School in Nebraska, where students help cultivate native crops as part of a broader effort to decolonize foodways and address systemic food access issues.
Finally, schools can strengthen their impact through advocacy. By supporting policies that expand access to nutrition assistance—such as Summer EBT benefits or improved funding for school meal programs—districts can help ensure that the safety net remains strong during the summer and beyond. Engaging with local leaders, state agencies, and national organizations empowers schools to influence change at the policy level and secure the resources they need to serve their students effectively.
By leveraging these strategies, schools can play a transformative role in addressing food insecurity—not only feeding students but strengthening the entire community. When schools become year-round sources of nourishment, support, and connection, they help build a healthier, more equitable future for all our children.