Jaci Rae--

The economy is in turmoil, but there is still help for children, adults and those with disabilities with free meals (in some cases free breakfast, free lunch and a free snack.), even though school is out for summer. Because of the obesity problem with children, the meals provided will be much healthier than they have been in the past.

Children ages are 0 – 18 are eligible for free meals. Adults in many states are given a huge discount some lower than $2.50 per meal and still other states provide free meals for the mentally or physically disabled communities.

The following states have specific programs, however you can find out more information at the USDA website. The USDA free meal program is called the Summer Food Service Program.

(National) The Society of St. Vincent de Paul has local programs in many communities that service families with meals. Check their website for free meal times and locations.

(California) California Department of Education's Summer Food Program. This program feeds not only the children, but the mentally or physically disabled community. Please check with the local state government website for additional information.

(Florida) Free meals are offered at most elementary school in every county in Florida. Check your local elementary school for times and locations.

(Georgia) The Seamless Summer Option program, funded by the United States Department of Agriculture For more information on times and locations, please check the USDA website.

(Illinois) Free Meals for Children and Youth Summer Nutrition Program. For information on where and when the free meals are being served, please go to their website: www.CityofChicago.org under the Chicago Family Services section.

(Indiana) Free Meals for Kids summer program in Bedford, Indiana. Their website has listings of times and dates free meals are available. Adults may purchase meals if they are over 18. www.BedfordOnline.com

(Oregon) Free Summer Food. Check their website www.SummerFoodOregon.org for free meal times and locations or call their toll free number 800-723-3638.

(New York) Free Summer Meals for Kids. Their website has a complete listing of places and times that free meals are served:

(Utah) Summer Free Food Service Program. Kids 0 – 18 can eat for free and a greatly reduced price of $2.50 per meal is for any adult. What a great deal! For more information go too: Utah Schools for free meal locations and times.

(Virginia) Free Meals put on by NPS Child Nutrition Department. Free meals for children and adults may eat for a discounted price of $3.25 a meal. Please contact Norman Public Schools Child Nutrition Department for additional information.

(Wisconsin) The Hunger Task Force. Please call (866) 211-3380 for locations that free meals are being served as well as times for free breakfast, lunch and snacks.

This is just a sample of states and programs. Please check your area for similar programs.

Jaci Rae is known as The Fabulously Frugal Diva and The Queen of More Green. She is the author of several books including the bestseller 5 Meals For $5. Other books she's written: Shop For a Day With Jaci Rae, How To Get Almost Anything For Free, and Winning Points With The Woman in Your Life One Touchdown at a Time. Jaci Rae, who was raised in poverty and knows the value of a dollar, can show you that it doesn't have to be a struggle. Recently Jaci Rae went on a shopping spree and filled an entire truck, inside and out for under $400. Jaci is currently working on a Ph.D.

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