These Summer Food Programs Help Feed Big Isle Kids

Summer is here, and for many families, the food budget has to stretch to feed hungry keiki who usually get their daytime meals at school. To help ease some of the financial burden of those extra meals, there are a couple of Big Island summer food programs available to help keiki and their families.

Vibrant Hawai’i’s Kaukau 4 Keiki Summer Food Program

Kaukau 4 Keiki is a 6-week summer food service program that has been a lifesaver for thousands of local families since 2021. Eligible low-income children must be 18 years of age or younger. Children with disabilities can qualify up to the age of 22 if they are enrolled in a public school.

This summer food program starts the week of June 19 and continues until July 28. The program provides weekly meal kits of USDA-approved shelf-stable foods and fresh local produce. From these wholesome foods, parents can prepare at least 7 days of breakfast and lunch menu items.

A program of the non-profit Vibrant Hawai‘i, Kaukau 4 Keiki fills an important nutritional void for many isle households. As a result of growing inflation and higher food prices, the healthiest foods can cost more than cheaper junk food with little nutritional value. Kaukau 4 Keiki provides healthy food choices in their weekly meal kits.

Mark your calendar and put a reminder on your phone. Kaukau 4 Keiki program registration goes live online on Monday, June 5 at 8:30am. Applications are approved on a first-come, first-served basis, and submissions are time-stamped. Register HERE.

Hawai‘i State Dept of Education‘s Seamless Summer Option (SSO)

Because of the Hawai’i State Department of Education’s (HIDOE) commitment to child nutrition, 23 Big Island schools will provide free meals during the summer to children 18 years or younger. Schools can choose to serve breakfast only, lunch only, or both meals. Meal recipients don’t have to be enrolled at a participating school to be served.

Beginning in early June, schools participating in this summer food program will serve meals Monday through Friday except for legal holidays. Since the Covid pandemic is considered officially over, the summer meals are offered for on-campus dining only and aren’t provided in Grab & Go containers.

 Superintendent Keith Hayashi says “The need for healthy nutrition doesnʻt take a break over the summer months. Our summer food service programs help ensure students have access to consistent, balanced meals to benefit their bodies and minds.”

To check on which schools near you serve free summer meals, click here.    

For more information about food assistance programs on Hawai’i Island visit Hawai’i Food Basket.

Still looking for summer camp options for your keiki? Don’t miss our Big Island Summer Camp Guide!

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