News
Summer Lifeline: East Allen County Schools to Serve Free Meals to Children in June and July
<p data-start="336" data-end="574">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.</p>
<p data-start="576" data-end="839">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.</p>
<h2 data-start="841" data-end="862">Here’s Where to Go</h2>
<p data-start="864" data-end="931">According to EACS, meals will be served at the following locations:</p>
<ul data-start="933" data-end="1238">
<li data-start="933" data-end="1033">
<p data-start="935" data-end="1033">New Haven Intermediate School<br data-start="968" data-end="971" /><em data-start="973" data-end="1033">919 Homestead Drive, New Haven – Enter/Exit through Door 9</em></p>
</li>
<li data-start="1035" data-end="1134">
<p data-start="1037" data-end="1134">Prince Chapman Academy<br data-start="1063" data-end="1066" /><em data-start="1068" data-end="1134">4808 East Paulding Road, Fort Wayne – Enter/Exit through Door 15</em></p>
</li>
<li data-start="1136" data-end="1238">
<p data-start="1138" data-end="1238">Heritage Elementary School<br data-start="1168" data-end="1171" /><em data-start="1173" data-end="1238">13608 Monroeville Road, Monroeville – Enter/Exit through Door 1</em></p>
</li>
</ul>
<p data-start="1240" data-end="1368">The meals are available to all children, regardless of school enrollment or income level. No ID or registration is required.</p>
<p data-start="1370" data-end="1562">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).</p>
<p data-start="1370" data-end="1562"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-12741" src="https://budgyapp.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/EACS-summer-meals-2025-New-Haven-Intermediate-lunch-program.jpg" alt="EACS summer meals 2025, New Haven Intermediate lunch program" width="620" height="466" /></p>
<h2 data-start="1564" data-end="1589">Meeting a Growing Need</h2>
<p data-start="1591" data-end="1816">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.</p>
<p data-start="1818" data-end="1971">“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.”</p>
<p data-start="1973" data-end="2162">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.</p>
<h2 data-start="2164" data-end="2191">More Districts to Follow</h2>
<p data-start="2193" data-end="2311">EACS is the first of Allen County’s four public school systems to formally unveil its summer meal plans this year.</p>
<p data-start="2313" data-end="2642">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.</p>
<p data-start="2644" data-end="2798">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.</p>
<h2 data-start="2800" data-end="2836">Parents Encouraged to Participate</h2>
<p data-start="2838" data-end="2991">EACS is urging families to take advantage of the opportunity, especially those whose children qualify for free or reduced lunches during the school year.</p>
<p data-start="2993" data-end="3237">“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.”</p>
<p data-start="3239" data-end="3393">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.</p>
<p data-start="3395" data-end="3524">For more information, parents and guardians can visit the EACS website or call the administration office at 260-446-0100.</p>