Sarasota and Manatee County school districts kick off summer food distribution programs

Herald-Tribune | By Ryan McKinnon | June 22, 2021

On Tuesday, the Sarasota County School District kicked off a weekly summer food distribution, with three sites dedicated to providing families with meals over the summer. 

The program will run most Tuesdays between now and July 27. Families who participate will receive enough breakfast and lunch food for the week in a drive-thru format.

The program is based out of Fruitville Elementary School, Venice High School and North Port High School. The distributions will take place from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at all three locations on June 29, July 13, July 20 and July 27. North Port High will have an additional distribution day on July 6, when the rest of the district is closed for the week. 

Families who come to pick up meals must have their child with them or at least one of the following forms of identification in order to receive food: A student ID, the child’s state ID card, a copy of a child’s report card or a copy of the child’s birth certificate. 

The program is free, but participating families are being asked to pre-register so school officials can ensure they have enough food on hand. To register, go to the School District’s Summer Feeding Program homepage. 

Manatee County food availability

The Manatee County School District has been distributing food on weekdays through buses, vans and “cabooses” at 17 locations throughout the county since June 1.  

For the entire schedule, visit the website for Manatee Schools’ Summer BreakSpot Food Service Program. 

In addition, the district is offering drive-thru food pickup Monday through Friday at Bayshore High School, along with Buffalo Creek, Haile and King middle schools. 

To learn all about Manatee County School District food giveaways this summer, visit https://www.manateeschools.net/Page/2623.