Free Summer Meals For School Kids In Need

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- When school closes, many children find themselves dealing with a difficult problem -- the loss of a nutritious meal each day.

That's because they may not be able to get one at home. That's why there are programs like the Summer Food Service run by the Minnesota Department of Education.

Places like community centers and schools provide free meals to young people who are 18 and younger, no questions asked.

Sites around the state started serving those meals again Monday.

"It's very similar to what they received during the school year, so you are looking at a fruit and a vegetable and then you have a protein. There is guidance from the U.S. Agriculture Department on what the meal should look like," said Keith Hovis, of the Minnesota Department of Education.

New this year, food trucks will be delivering free meals to kids in some neighborhoods in Minneapolis, Mankato and Alexandria.

To find a site that provides meals near you or to get more information, you can click here or here.