Families in Ruskin, Florida, are receiving support this summer through a weekly meal-box program launched by Hillsborough County Public Schools. As children begin their summer break, the district has set up a distribution site at the South County Career Center, allowing families to pick up a week’s worth of meals in one visit.

Program Details

The Ruskin location is unique in Hillsborough County, offering weekly take-home meal boxes. Every Wednesday, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. until July 22, families can collect seven breakfasts, seven lunches, and a gallon of milk for each eligible child. Unlike traditional summer meal sites, children do not need to be present during pickup, and the meals do not need to be consumed on-site.

The program is open to children and teens aged 18 and younger who are not enrolled in a summer program that already provides meals. School officials designed the weekly distribution model to make it easier for families to access food throughout the summer.

Addressing Food Insecurity

Many children who rely on school meals during the academic year face food insecurity during the summer months. Research indicates that food insecurity is more prevalent among children in low-income households during this time. School meal programs have been shown to reduce food insecurity and improve access to nutritious food.

Shani Hall, general manager of Student Nutrition Services for Hillsborough County Public Schools, emphasized the growing need for food assistance. “There are more families than in several years that I can remember that are in need of help paying for food,” Hall said. The district is receiving calls from families concerned about the rising cost of groceries and other household expenses.

Meal Box Contents

The meal boxes adhere to USDA nutrition standards, offering balanced options that include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and dairy products. Some of the food is frozen, and families are encouraged to refrigerate or freeze items soon after pickup. District officials are prepared for a strong turnout and will assess demand as the program progresses.

Finding Meal Distribution Sites

Families across Florida can locate summer meal distribution sites by visiting summerbreakspot.org and entering their ZIP code. The website provides information on locations, dates, and serving times for meal sites throughout the state.

Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.