Beaufort County schools launch free summer meal kit program

Beaufort County School District is launching a new summer food program that will provide free weekly breakfast and lunch meal kits for children during the summer months.

The program, called Groceries-to-Go, is being offered in partnership with The Nutrition Group and will run from June 11 through July 31, according to information released by the district.

The program is open to children age 18 and younger, as well as eligible individuals older than 18 with disabilities who participate during the school year in qualifying programs.

Families will be able to pick up weekly grocery kits on Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Fridays from noon to 2 p.m. at locations in Bluffton and Beaufort. Pickup dates scheduled for June 19 and July 3 have been moved to the preceding Wednesday from noon to 2 p.m.

District officials said each grocery kit will contain breakfast and lunch items for one child for one week.

Parents or guardians must reserve a ticket for each child each week through the district’s online registration system. Families will receive a QR code by email that must be presented at pickup along with identification.

The district said the program is intended to help provide meals for children during the summer break while school is out of session.

Information about eligibility requirements, pickup locations, community partners and frequently asked questions is available at beaufortschools.net/groceries.