DES MOINES, Iowa — Summer break is here, which leaves many parents with extrea meals to plan for.
With the state's focus and funding turning to some specific summer options for those in need, central Iowa schools are making sure that hungry kids are still fed.
Des Moines Public School District (DMPS) said it has applied for the new summer meal program expansion grant, which provides $900,000 in grants for Iowa organizations through the existing Summer Food Service Program and Seamless Summer Option.
Gov. Kim Reynolds announced the grant program just months after declining to participate in the 2024 summer P-EBT program.
"We're actually increasing the number of sites for this year hoping to get some of the new expansion grant for summer feeding. we are adding a couple of different apartment sites into our mix, trying to get kids where they live," said Amanda Miller, director of food services at DMPS.
With over half of the student body in need of assistance DMPS says local kids 18 and under deserve to have nutritious meals for free.
"75% of our kids are on free and reduced lunch, we're able to feed all kids at no cost using the cep program that we're so proud to do. and so it's just another extension of our services into the summer," Miller said.
Visit DMPS's website for a full list of times and locations for these meal giveaways.
For metro parent Megan Elliot, these programs are something her and her kids have benefited from in the past.
"I have three kids. and when my kids got the free reduced meal programs, it just allowed them to eat those healthier options without having to constantly break the budget," Elliot said.
Over in Johnston, director of food services LaRae Doll shared that the district was able to make additions to its summer lunch program this year.
"Johnston High School is approved as a summer lunch feeding site based on a USDA Census walker, so we've never had that opportunity before. We're really excited to be able to offer that," Doll said.
The district says that if someone wishes to stop and eat in Johnston this summer, they must park and eat on campus.
"It is a service that they will have to eat on site. It is a congregate meal service, so they can come here, bring a blanket, bring their friends, come in, have a meal, " Doll said.
Visit Johnston Community School District's website for a full list of location and times for these summer meals. Waukee's Picnic & Play Summer Program details are available at this link.
The West Des Moines Community School District will offer free meals at all sites, Monday through Friday. All sites are closed on July 4 and July 5. A list of available sites and times can be found here.