Eisenhower HS Offers Free Summer Breakfasts For Kids And Teens

BLUE ISLAND, IL — For millions of kids across the country, summer is the hungriest time of the year. When schools are closed during the summer, many of the free breakfast and lunch programs disappear. One in 6 children is expected to go hungry this summer in our local communities, according to No Kid Hungry, an organization that works with schools and communities to secure funding for summer meals.

“In summer, when kids either have one meal or no meals on a lot of days, it really sets them back on a lot of levels. They're more likely to get sick. Then, mentally they can't continue to develop, and in fact they go backwards,” said Dr. Ximena Garcia, a physician passionate about child nutrition in Topeka, Kan.

CHSD 218 high schools will be offering grab-and-go breakfasts provided by No Kid Hungry during the months of June and July. Kids and teens can pick up a free breakfast at Dwight D. Eisenhower High School, 12700 S. Sacramento Ave., Blue Island.

The summer breakfasts are available to any resident age 18 and under, from any public or parochial school. Pick up a breakfast between 7:30 and 8:15 a.m. in the school cafeteria on the following dates:

June 12, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21,22,23, 26,27,28, 29

July 3, 5-6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20

The Seamless Summer Program operated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture is also serving free breakfasts and lunches at area schools this summer. Use the map to find a location near you. Times and locations are subject to change so you may want to call ahead.

If your school, organization or place of worship is offering free summer meals for children, please email the information to lorraine.swanson@patch.com.