South Carolina Department of Education and Community Partners Host Summer Food Service Program Kickoff Event

Press Release

The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) kicked off its summer food service program today at Richland Library’s North Main location. The program, better known as Summer Break Café, is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and provides free meals for children 18 and under from June through August.

Summer Break Cafés are located throughout the state at designated sites including parks, libraries, churches and schools.

“We are excited to partner with organizations across South Carolina to offer Summer Break Cafés this summer,” said State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman. “Hunger and malnutrition not only make students more prone to illness and health issues, but can also negatively impact school performance once the semester begins. Summer Break Cafés can help fill the nutritional gap and give students the meals to be happy and healthy.”

Since 2019, the South Carolina Department of Education and its sponsors have served over 25 million meals to children.

“During the summer months it is vital that students have access to nutritious meals,” said Melanie Huggins, executive director, Richland Library. “Providing Summer Break Cafés at three of our Richland Library locations allows us the opportunity to connect children and their families to good food and high-quality, free educational resources.”

For up-to-date information regarding sites and times of operation, explore the USDA Summer Meals Map or text FOOD to 304-304. If interested in becoming a Summer Break Café site or sponsor, visit www.summerbreakcafe.com.

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