Springfield, IL (WAND-TV) – The end of classes means the end of free breakfast and lunch that many kids get during school.

This summer, 16 District 186 schools will be providing free breakfast and lunch for any student 18 or under, even if they are not enrolled in a District 186 schools. They will also have discounted meals for adults, with breakfast at $3, and lunch at $5.

According to our news partners at WAND-TV certain schools are open at certain parts of the summer, so if you want to get a free meal, make sure you check the district schedule first. The program is at a variety of schools to ensure people in all areas of Springfield have access to nutritious meals.

“This program really helps out any family that might have problems being able to secure food regularly in their own homes,” said Megan McMillan, Food Service Director at District 186. “It’s a sad reality of a lot of people… so being able to provide those free meals for our community really helps fill the hole for some families that have been struggling.”

McMillian went on to say, “Being able to provide nutritious meals to children is directly linked to health and health problems when they get older so being able to have these options for them at any age and they’re even really drastically decreases problems moving forward for them medically.”

These meals follow the same diet regulations as they do during the school year. Kids can expect their favorite menu items as well as cold lunch options.

To see when schools are providing meals, check the district website.