DMPS Offers Free Summer Meals to Children

Des Moines Public Schools, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, will once again offer no-cost breakfast and lunch to children under the age of 18 at locations throughout the community this summer.

Lunch will be offered at 31 locations, with 26 of those locations also providing breakfast. All meals are served on a first come, first served basis.

“We were finding so many of our students counted on meals at school as their only meals of the day,” said Food and Nutrition Director Amanda Miller. “We’re so thankful this funding was again available to provide low-income children with nutritious meals when school is not in session.”

In 2016, the district served more than 47,000 breakfasts and almost 100,000 lunches to children during summer break. The USDA provides funding for the meals through its Summer Food Service Program.

Days and timing of meals vary by location and are offered 4-5 days a week. For a complete list, click here.

DMPS has been serving meals during the summer for more than 30 years.