Columbia’s Richland One District to provide free meals for kids during summer

Columbia, South Carolina – This summer, Richland One is stepping up once again to ensure no child goes hungry. From June 3 through July 18, the district will offer free meals to children aged 18 and under, irrespective of their school district attendance zone. This initiative, part of the federally-funded Seamless Summer Option, aims to support the community by providing nutritious meals during the summer break.

For six weeks, from Monday to Thursday, breakfast and lunch will be available at 29 school sites throughout the district. Breakfast will be served from 7:45 to 9 a.m., and lunch will be available from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Importantly, all meals must be consumed on site, ensuring children receive the full benefit of a healthy, balanced meal.

Students enrolled in Richland One’s Summer SOAR programs and camps will receive their meals at one of the 29 designated locations. For those not participating in these programs, breakfast and lunch can be obtained at any site. However, four specific schools have been highlighted for their convenience:

• Carver-Lyon Elementary School (2100 Waverly Street, Columbia, SC 29204)
• Andrews Middle School (1231 Bluefield Road, Columbia, SC 29210)
• Eau Claire High School (4800 Monticello Road, Columbia, SC 29203)
• Lower Richland High School (2615 Lower Richland Blvd, Hopkins, SC 29061)

In addition to daily meals, the district is also providing an opportunity for parents and guardians to pick up five days’ worth of meals on specific dates. These dates are June 10, June 17, June 24, June 27, July 11, and July 29, with pickup times from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The designated pickup locations are:

• Forest Heights Elementary School (2500 Blue Ridge Terrace, Columbia, SC 29203)
• Webber Elementary School (140 Webber School Road, Eastover, SC 29044)

Read also: Columbia Museum of Art introduces free admission to South Carolinians all summer long

This initiative underscores Richland One’s commitment to the well-being of its students and the broader community. By providing these essential services, the district aims to bridge the nutrition gap that can occur during the summer months when school is out of session. This effort ensures that all children have access to the nutritious meals they need to grow, learn, and thrive.

To sign up to pick up meals for your children, click here.

For more information, contact Richland One’s Nutrition Services department at (803) 231-6953 or [email protected].

Read also: SC Department of Education and Dominion Energy celebrate young writers

NOTE:

The USDA requires that the following non-discrimination statement accompany information about its programs:

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by mail to U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; fax: (202) 690-7442; or email: [email protected]. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Read also: Two Florence County students accepted into SC Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities residential high school program

Click here for additional details as well as information about each school separately!