Need a free meal? Here are summer food programs in Greenville, Spartanburg, and Anderson

Greenville

As the 2023-2024 school year concludes for many students across the Upstate, districts in Greenville have announced free summer breakfast and lunch programs to combat hunger, food deserts, and limited nutritional resources for families in need.

Food Deserts in Greenville

Food deserts have been reported in Greenville’s Districts 17, 18, 19, and 25. These areas typically have smaller populations, higher rates of abandoned or vacant homes, lower incomes, and higher unemployment, according to the United States Department of Agriculture.

Summer Meal Program Details

Greenville County Schools’ Food and Nutrition Services will partner in the Seamless Summer Food Service Program at 13 school sites across the county. Starting June 3 through August 1, children under 18 can receive two meals a day, Mondays through Thursdays.

Breakfast will be served from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., and lunch will run from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at various schools including Berea High, Blue Ridge High, and J.L. Mann High Academy. Roper Mountain Science Center will also host lunch from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

Spartanburg

In Spartanburg, the southside residents recently lost a grocery store, leaving many without easy access to affordable, nutritional food. Spartanburg School District Seven is offering a free summer meal program for ages 18 and under provided by the US Department of Agriculture’s Summer Meals Programs.

Participating Sites

Various sites across Spartanburg will provide breakfast and lunch from June through August. Locations include Saint Paul Missionary, PCA Piedmont Community Action, and Macedonia Baptist Church. Times and dates are specified for each site to ensure families can access these meals.

Anderson

In Anderson, homes surrounding downtown and other areas lack close access to affordable, nutritional food. However, there are free breakfast and lunch options available through various programs until July 19.

Programs in Anderson

Schools like Centerville, Glenview Middle, and TL Hanna High are offering meals for children under 18. Times for breakfast and lunch vary by location, so families should review the schedule to plan their visits accordingly.

Additional Information

If any free food programs for children under 18 have been missed, reach out to ajackson@gannett.com with updated lists and site locations.

Stay updated on these summer meal programs and other community news for families in need of support during the summer months.