Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning recently announced that free meals will be available for children age 18 and younger, along with some eligible adults, throughout the state through the Summer Food Service Program. The program, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is administered in Georgia by DECAL.

A total of 17 sites are listed in Bryan County.

More than 900,000 of Georgia’s school-aged children are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch when school is in session. The summer program provides access to free meals in low-income areas during the summer months, when students are out of school and may not have access to well-balanced meals throughout the day.

Parents and children can find area sites where meals will be served by visiting DECAL’s website. Additionally, sites can be located by calling 1-855-550-SFSP (7377) or by texting “FOODGA” to 877-877.

Falita Flowers, DECAL’s Director of Nutrition Services, said: “The Summer Food Service Program fills a critical need during the summer when children are out of school by providing free nutritious meals. For children who receive free breakfast and/or lunch during the school year, this program fills the gap and contributes to their overall health and well-being.”

For more information about the summer program and to locate a site where children can access nutritious, free meals, visit the DECAL website at http://www.decal.ga.gov/Nutrition/Search.aspx. Use the search function (ZIP code or county) to find a list of all local facilities open to the public and sponsors.