Fox Cities News

The Oshkosh Area School District (OASD) has announced the return of its annual Summer Meals Program, designed to ensure children in the community have access to nutritious food during the summer break. The program will run from early June through mid-July, providing free breakfast and lunch to all children aged 18 and under at various locations across Oshkosh.

The initiative addresses potential nutritional gaps that may arise for families when school is not in session. "Helping parents meet the nutritional needs of their children is the strength of this program," said Michele Stahmann, OASD Director of Food Services. She emphasized that there is no registration or income requirement for participation; children can simply visit designated sites during meal times to receive free meals.

Free meals will be offered at Jefferson Elementary, Menominee Elementary, Oaklawn Elementary, Vel Phillips Middle Schools from June 16 to July 17, Monday through Thursday (closed on July 3). Breakfast will be served from 7:45 to 8:15 a.m., with lunch available from 11:15 a.m. to noon. Additionally, Oshkosh North High School will offer meals from June 9 to July 18, Monday through Friday (closed on July 4), with breakfast served from 7:30 to 8:20 a.m. and lunch from noon to 12:45 p.m.

Adults accompanying children can purchase breakfast for $2.75 and lunch for $4.00 at these locations.

The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and administered by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, supports this initiative by providing essential nutrition during summer months when school meals are unavailable. The program guarantees non-discriminatory service regardless of race, color, national origin, age, gender, or disability.

Free meals are also extended to persons over 18 years who are identified as mentally or physically disabled by state or local public educational agencies and participate in qualifying programs during the regular school year.