State Senator Martin A. Sandoval (D-Chicago) encourages families in his district to utilize a free summer lunch program—for children 18 and under—administered by the state. “The Summer Food Service Program helps families meet their food budgets and helps close the summer gap for students and parents who rely on free or reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program during the school year,” Sandoval said. Children age 18 and younger can access free meals at sites across the state thanks to the Summer Food Services Program, which is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture and administered by the Illinois State Board of Education. “This is an underutilized program that offers life-changing benefits to Illinoisans,” Sandoval said. “For those that think they don’t have an answer for feeding their families in the summer months, this is a great solution.” To find a nearby meal site, call 800-359-2163, text FoodIL to 877877 or visit SummerMealsIllinois.org for more.