School’s Out, Meals Are In

With summer in full effect, a familiar service from the school day is offered to students from June 2 - July 25 each weekday at different locations around the county: school meals.

For many children in LaRue County, food insecurity (the condition of not having access to sufficient food, or food of an adequate quality, to meet one's basic needs) is a constant challenge. During the school year, those nutrition needs are met in the school buildings. 

On summer break, those needs are still there and so are the food service workers who faithfully care for students throughout the school year – now throughout the community through the SUN Meals program.

“The SUN Meals program is funded through the USDA’s Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), administered by the Kentucky Department of Education,” explains LaRue County Schools Director of Child Nutrition Stephanie Utley. “This federal program reimburses sponsors, like LaRue County Schools, for meals served to children during the summer.”

Each summer, meals are distributed at several locations throughout the county. To make it as easy as possible for families, meals are provided in a grab-and-go format—no need for children to stay and eat on-site. This approach allows working parents and caregivers to quickly pick up meals, saving time while ensuring their children get the nutrition they need.

While the logistics of the program are impressive, the true value lies in its impact on LaRue County families. “The Summer Feeding Program, has a significant impact on both the children and the broader community—socially, economically, and educationally,” Utley shared.

During the school year, many students depend on school breakfasts and lunches. Summer can create a nutrition gap that puts children at risk of hunger. The SUN Meals program helps fill that gap. “Children who are well-fed during the summer return to school more focused, alert, and ready to learn, reducing the ‘summer slide,’” she said.

But it’s not just about nutrition. Programs like SUN Meals support families financially and create local jobs, providing work opportunities for school nutrition staff during the summer months. “Programs like this help create a culture of care and equity in the district, reinforcing the idea that every child deserves consistent access to nutrition, year-round”, Utley explained.

In a county where neighbors look out for one another, the SUN Meals program is more than a summer service, it’s a reflection of the district's commitment to its kids. It’s one way the community ensures that, even when school is out, children have the support they need to grow, thrive, and return to the classroom ready to learn.