Charlotte County schools hand out free summer meal kits for kids

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. (WINK)—Charlotte County Public Schools distributed thousands of free meal kits to families during summer break.

WINK News reporter Camila Pereira saw hundreds of families line up at the intersection of Alfred Boulevard and Jones Loop Road. Kids gathered on their bikes, enjoying their summer break.

Dozens of cars and pickup trucks waited in line for the free seven-day meal kits the school district handed out to help families feed their children over the summer.

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"For a lot of families, they kind of rely on school to feed their children, so during the summer there's that gap where they're not able to eat," said Brian Dwyer, operations manager for Charlotte County Public Schools.

In just one hour, the school district served more than 3,000 meals. Families said the boxes provided significant help.

"So excited that they did this, because it helps," said Teresa Giunta, a grandparent.

"It's a relief, honestly," said Tina Johnson, a parent. "It's not just for my children and me, it's also for my nieces and nephews."

The kids were excited to see what they would eat each week throughout the summer, though they were not fans of the heat.

"It's so hot out here," Mastroianni and Chisholm said. "I am ready to get the food and go back home."

The school district will park the truck at the same location every Monday until the end of July. Parents need to bring a student ID, report card, or picture showing the number of children who need meal kits.