Springfield Public Schools to Pilot Evening Meal Service Program

SPRINGFIELD – A pilot program offering evening hours for free lunch sites at schools across the city will begin on July 30.

Since the schools closed in March, Springfield Public Schools and Sodexo have teamed up to provide free meals to children throughout the year and now during the summer months.

“From day one of the school’s closure, Sodexo has been a committed partner in making sure our families don’t go without during this time,” said school principal Daniel Warwick.

As of June, the program had served 1 million meals in 17 schools.

Now the school and its food service provider are launching a trial program at Chestnut, Milton Bradley, Rebecca Johnson and Talmadge schools that will offer meals at the traditional 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and at a new time. 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. insert. The change is in response to comments from working families who were unable to access meal sites during the previous period.

“We hope this program will add a layer of convenience to families that will help them alleviate any burdens they may face,” Warwick said.

No ID is required to receive meals, and children do not need to be from Springfield, live in Springfield, or attend Springfield schools to participate. Adults can pick up meals on behalf of a child. Meals provided include breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a multi-day snack. Thursday distributions include meals on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Monday distributions will include meals on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

For more information on free meals during school closings, send “Springfield” to 82257.

Free meal service menus are available on www.homegrownspringfield.com/menus.

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