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Free Summer Lunch Programs Available Across Central Florida Counties for Students 18 and Under

As the academic year concludes, school districts across Central Florida are launching summer meal initiatives to support children and teens who may face food insecurity during the break. Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and supported by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Summer BreakSpot program ensures that students 18 years old and younger have access to free, nutritious meals even when school is not in session.

Here is a county-by-county guide to summer lunch programs available throughout Central Florida in 2025:

Marion County

From June 2 to August 8, youths 18 and under can participate in Summer BreakSpot activities and receive free meals at select public libraries. Programs are hosted by Shores Assembly of God and take place on designated weekdays:

  • Belleview Public Library: Tuesdays, 10 a.m. program, noon meal

  • Reddick Public Library: Tuesdays, noon program and meal

  • Fort McCoy Public Library: Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. program, 11:30 a.m. meal

  • Headquarters-Ocala Public Library: Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. program, noon meal

  • Dunnellon Public Library: Fridays, 10:30 a.m. program, noon meal

  • Forest Public Library: Fridays, 11 a.m. program, 12:30 p.m. meal

Orange County

Orange County Public Schools, in partnership with Summer BreakSpot, will operate a Mobile Lunch Program from June 2 to July 25. Free meals for students 18 and under will be distributed Monday through Friday at various library branches, with meals required to be consumed onsite.

Library Locations and Times:

  • Chickasaw Branch: 11–11:30 a.m.

  • Fairview Shores Branch: 11–11:30 a.m.

  • Hiawassee Branch: 12:15–12:45 p.m.

  • North Orange Branch: 12:15–12:45 p.m.

  • South Creek Branch: 12:15–12:45 p.m.

  • South Trail Branch: 11–11:30 a.m.

Additionally, select schools will continue serving meals Monday through Thursday, with closures on June 30 and July 4. Some campuses, including East Lake, Hidden Oaks, Riverdale, Rock Springs, Southwood, and Sun Blaze Elementary, will remain open on Fridays. More details, including menus and meal times, can be found on the Orange County Public Schools’ Summer Feeding program website.

Osceola County

Students 18 years old and under in Osceola County can access free breakfast, lunch, and snacks through Summer BreakSpot. Families can dial 211 to find nearby participating locations and schedules.

Seminole County

Seminole County Public Schools, in partnership with Red Apple Dining, will begin their summer meal program on June 2. Children and teens can receive free breakfast and lunch Monday through Thursday at designated locations. Meals must be consumed onsite. Additional information, including dates, times, and nutrition details, is available through the Red Apple Dining website.

Volusia County

Volusia County Schools will provide free meals to students through two separate USDA-funded programs:

School-Based Program (June 9–July 24):

Operated by School Way Café, this program offers meals Monday through Thursday, except on June 19 (Juneteenth) and July 4. Students enrolled in summer school will receive meals at their school site. Others must pre-register by contacting the school office and eat meals onsite.

Participating schools include campuses in Daytona Beach, DeLand, Deltona, Edgewater, Holly Hill, New Smyrna Beach, Orange City, Ormond Beach, Osteen, Pierson, Port Orange, and South Daytona.

Community Site Program (June 2–August 8):

This program offers weekday meals (closed July 4) at numerous community centers, churches, libraries, and camps across Volusia County. Some notable locations include:

  • Daytona Beach: Daytona Beach Regional Library, Allen Chapel AME, Boys & Girls Clubs, Salvation Army, and more

  • DeLand: YMCA, Boys & Girls Club, Chisholm Community Center, and others

  • Deltona: Deltona Regional Library, Dewey Boster Park, Festival Park, and additional locations

  • Edgewater, Holly Hill, Lake Helen: Multiple community and youth centers provide meals, with some requiring advanced coordination

Families should check with individual sites for exact hours and meal types (breakfast, lunch, or both). Many locations operate Monday through Friday, but some may have specific closure dates or require advanced registration.

Access and Eligibility

All children and teens 18 years old and younger are eligible to participate in these summer food programs at no cost. Meals must generally be consumed on-site, and some programs require pre-registration, especially for non-summer-school participants.

For the most accurate and updated information, families are encouraged to visit their county’s school district website or the official Summer BreakSpot locator.

Written by Staff Writer

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