The Children's Hospital Extends Free Lunch for Children Program

In light of Oklahoma City Public Schools delaying the start of school, The Children’s Hospital at OU Medicine is extending its free lunch program through August 28, to ensure children continue to receive adequate nutrition.

As part of its commitment to improving the lives of all children in the community, The Children’s Hospital, in cooperation with Sodexo, has been participating in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Summer Food Service Program. The Children's Hospital was the first hospital in the state to offer free meals to children during summer break.

Through the Summer Food Service Program, lunch is provided on a first-come, first-served basis at no cost to children 18 years and younger. Meals are provided each weekday of the program period.

The Summer Food Service Program is similar to the National School Lunch Program and ensures children continue to receive adequate nutrition when school is not in session. Meals and service provided are the same for all children regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.

This year, access to the building is restricted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and children may not eat onsite. However, meals are available for pick-up outside the Children’s Atrium, the main entrance to The Children’s Hospital, located at 1200 Children’s Ave., Oklahoma City. Each boxed lunch meets USDA nutritional guidelines and includes a sandwich, milk, fruit and a snack. Lunches may be picked up during these times:

11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Monday through Friday through August 28

Staff members have taken measures to ensure the lunch pick-up process is safe for all participants. These measures include frequent hand washing, limiting contact, observing social distancing guidelines and wearing masks at all times.

Read more about the program here or contact Sodexo Administrator Pam Harris at pamela.harris@oumedicine.com or (405) 271-8001, ext. 42212.

For more sites and information, visit www.fns.usda.gov/sfsp/summer-food-service-program