FORT WAYNE, Ind. — As summer break nears, East Allen County Schools (EACS) is stepping in to bridge a critical gap for families by offering free lunches to all children 18 and under at select locations across eastern Allen County.

From June 2 through July 18, children can receive hot, nutritious meals at three designated school sites, Monday through Friday, from 12:15 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. — a move educators and advocates say is vital for ensuring food security over the summer months.

Here’s Where to Go

According to EACS, meals will be served at the following locations:

• New Haven Intermediate School
  919 Homestead Drive, New Haven – Enter/Exit through Door 9

• Prince Chapman Academy
  4808 East Paulding Road, Fort Wayne – Enter/Exit through Door 15

• Heritage Elementary School
  13608 Monroeville Road, Monroeville – Enter/Exit through Door 1

The meals are available to all children, regardless of school enrollment or income level. No ID or registration is required.

However, officials note that meals must be consumed on site, in accordance with federal regulations. There will be no service on June 19 (Juneteenth) and July 4 (Independence Day).

Meeting a Growing Need

The announcement comes at a time when child hunger remains a pressing issue in many Indiana communities, particularly during the summer when school cafeterias — and the free or reduced-price meals they offer — are closed.

“Summer can be a hard time for many families,” said an EACS spokesperson. “For some kids, this lunch might be the most nutritious meal they get all day.”

The free meals are funded through the USDA Summer Food Service Program, which reimburses school districts and nonprofit sponsors for providing meals to children during vacation periods.

More Districts to Follow

EACS is the first of Allen County’s four public school systems to formally unveil its summer meal plans this year.

Fort Wayne Community Schools (FWCS), the area’s largest district, is set to announce its own program — conducted in partnership with the Allen County Public Library — on Friday, May 23, during a special kickoff event. That program is expected to include a broader network of meal sites and potentially expanded hours.

Last year, FWCS served over 150,000 meals during the summer, a reflection of the high demand and community reliance on school-sponsored meal programs.

Parents Encouraged to Participate

EACS is urging families to take advantage of the opportunity, especially those whose children qualify for free or reduced lunches during the school year.

“Even if you don’t think you ‘need’ it, participating helps us keep the program going for everyone,” the district said in a public statement. “And kids love it. They get to eat together, maybe see some friends, and parents get a little relief.”

The program also provides a safe space for children during part of the day, and some sites may include books or activities through local partnerships.

For more information, parents and guardians can visit the EACS website or call the administration office at 260-446-0100.