The State Department of Education has some Food for Thought this summer.
That’s the name of the program to offer free breakfasts and lunches to students across Oklahoma. Oklahoma is among the worst when it comes to getting food to kids in need when school is out for the summer.
"Sixty-two percent of our kids in public school qualify for free and reduced lunch, but in the summer, only 6.4 percent are receiving those meals," said State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister.
At dozens of locations in Tulsa and hundreds across the state, free breakfast and lunch will be served to anyone 18 or younger.
"There's no paperwork. There's no qualifying that has to happen. You just show up," Hofmeister said. "If you are in school … just come and eat, and then be ready to learn in the fall."
Deborah Gist said because students need good nutrition all year to do well in school, summer meals were important to her as a teacher, and they’re important to her as TPS superintendent.
"Last year during our summer food program, our team served almost 200,000 meals to the boys and girls and young adults here in Tulsa. Almost 200,000 meals — breakfast and lunch," Gist said.
Tulsa Public Schools and the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma are serving meals at locations throughout the city, including libraries, churches and apartment complexes.
