COLUMBIA, S.C. — We're On Your Side with information about summer meal programs for kids.
The school year is coming to an end, and many children don't have access to regular meals when school is out of session, due to their family's economic situation.
Additionally, earlier this year South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster opted out of summer EBT benefits, which provided money for groceries while school is out. The plan gave qualifying families $40 a month per child for food.
So where do you go if this was a main source for meals?
For families with school-age children, your school district's food or nutrition services division is a starting point for summer meal programs. For example, Richland One has a program where people can pick up 10 meals at a time at scheduled dates and locations.
The Columbia Urban League recently partnered with three Richland County school districts for a program called Cola Eats.
"Richland One, Richland Two and Richland-Lexington Five school districts they have some, will provide the gifts cards for people to shop during the summer," said JT McLawhorn, the President and CEO of the Columbia Urban League.
The organization will provide 1,500 $120 gift cards to students in need through the program. The district will contact parents who qualify in the coming week and will start issuing the cards the week of May 22nd.
"This is an opportunity for us to really contribute to our future. our young people are our future," McLawhorn said.
If you don't live in Richland County, the South Carolina Department of Education has two federal programs through the USDA for students ages 18 and under and live in an eligible location. They have the Summer Break Café and the Summer Seamless option. You can find out more by going to the Education Department's Summer Meals Page. People can also call 1-866-3-HUNGRY.
The Columbia Urban League is looking for donations for the Cola Eats program. People can contribute in one of the following way:
In person: Go to any First Citizens Bank location and use the account name ColaEats
Mail: People can mail a check to the Urban League at PO Box 50125, Columbia, SC 29250.