Free Meals Available to Youth in South Dakota This Summer

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — Organizations across South Dakota are serving free meals to children and adolescents this summer as part of a federal program.

Individuals age 18 and younger can get a free meal at participating locations, which include nonprofits, schools, libraries and local governments.

The Summer Food Service Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Individuals can find facilities serving meals by using an online tool.

The state's Department of Education says about 61,000 South Dakota students receive free or reduced-price meals when school is in session. The summer food program is meant to provide meals when school is not in session.

Education officials say nearly 429,000 meals were served last year through the summer food program.

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