No Kid Should Go Hungry this Summer: Florida’s BreakSpot Program Fills the Gap
When school closes for summer, many children in Florida face an urgent issue: where will their next meal come from? During the school year, over 2.1 million kids rely on free or reduced-price school meals. But when school’s out, the safety net often disappears.
According to recent data, nearly 820,000 children in Florida live in food-insecure households. In counties like Miami-Dade (27.4%), Broward (20.5%), and Palm Beach (23.9%), the numbers are especially alarming. Families already struggling with housing, transportation, and healthcare simply can’t stretch their budgets to cover nutritious meals every day. The state’s school lunch debt—over $440 million—shows just how widespread the problem is.
That’s where Florida’s Summer BreakSpot program steps in. With more than 3,000 sites statewide, BreakSpot ensures that children and teens up to age 18 can receive free meals all summer long—including breakfast, lunch, snacks, and even supper. Locations include schools, churches, libraries, parks, and community centers.
The best part? There’s no cost to families, no paperwork required, and no reason for a child to go hungry. BreakSpot sites are open weekdays while school is out, and the map of participating locations is updated twice daily. Families can also find sites by calling 2-1-1, 850-617-7170, or texting “FOOD” or “COMIDA” to 304-304.
The absence of daily school meals can lead to serious issues for children—poor academic performance, behavioral challenges, and long-term health consequences. And while many summer meal programs exist, they often suffer from limited awareness and accessibility. Families may not know they’re available, or lack transportation to reach them.
Programs like Summer BreakSpot are a lifeline. But we need more. Solutions must include year-round support, better communication strategies, and continued investment in local food banks and school pantries.
As communities, schools, nonprofits, and local governments come together, we can ensure no child in Florida goes hungry no matter the season. Learn more at summerbreakspot.org
