A grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture has allowed Metro Nashville Public Schools to offer free lunch to every student this summer.
Officials said it will be addressing a need that is more widespread then most people realize.
"We’re hoping to reach those students and families in need who are going without meals on the table this summer," says Jennifer Bell, the Director of Extended Learning.
The Summer Feeding Program comes with very few restrictions, students under the age of 18 need only to show up at participating schools between the hours of 1p.m. and 2p.m. each weekday to receive free lunch.
It is a need that ironically enough was recognized during the summer.
"We had such a high demand during the winter months that we needed to seek out opportunities in ways that we can also feed during the summer," Bell adds.
Parents can also receive lunch at a reduced price of $3.75.
"It just helps. There's a lot of mouths to feed and they seem to enjoy it. Their plates are getting empty and their bellies are full, it's very helpful," said Kimberly Williams who brought her three kids to Fall Hamilton Elementary of Tuesday for the first day of the program.
