HENDERSON COUNTY SCHOOL'S MEALS ON THE BUS FREE MEAL SUMMER PROGRAM BEGINS

The annual Henderson County Public Schools' Meals on the Bus program began on June 9 with four outdoor locations for children to pick up free meals.

The program is USDA-funded and part of the state-administered Summer Food Service Program, according to a new release. This program, which runs weekdays from June 9-July 25, is "to ensure children in our community have access to nutritious meals during the summer months," the release said.

Free meals are provided to children ages 2-18 at public locations across the county. These open meal sites do not require registration and are available to all children during the scheduled times, the release said. Meals must be consumed on-site, in accordance with federal regulations.

The park locations, first introduced in 2024, are returning this summer to serve children and families. Below is a list of the times and locations:

Route 1

  • East Flat Rock Park: 11-11:45 a.m.
  • Jackson Park, Shelter No. 4: Noon-12:45 p.m.

Route 2

  • Dana Community Park: 11-11:45 a.m.
  • Edneyville Community Center: Noon-12:45 p.m.

According to the release, these outdoor sites feature picnic tables and plenty of green space.

These open feeding locations are part of a broader effort by Henderson County Public Schools Child Nutrition to serve students at a total of 28 summer sites. In addition to the public “Meals On the Bus” routes, meals will be provided at 23 school campuses for students participating in summer learning programs, as well as at closed sites operated by community partners such as the Boys & Girls Club, and the Salvation Army of Hendersonville.

Closed sites require registration and serve only enrolled participants.

All summer meals are planned and distributed in collaboration with the HCPS Transportation Department and must meet federal nutrition and safety standards. Meal times and locations are reviewed annually to ensure compliance and meet the needs of the community.

Families looking for additional summer meal sites across the state can call 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479) (for English) or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (1-877-842-6273) (for Spanish) for nearby locations.

For more information about the HCPS Summer Feeding Program, contact the HCPS Child Nutrition Department at 828-891-6310.

 

STORY & PHOTO COURTESY OF ABC 13 WLOSHenderson County Schools' Meals on the Bus free-meal summer program begins