Just because school is out does not mean that area children will have to worry about missing a daily meal.
The Rowan-Salisbury Schools Summer Meals Program provides breakfast, lunch and snacks to the children of Rowan County during the summer months when school is not in session. Beginning this week through July 28, families can receive free meals available Monday through Friday at convenient meal sites located throughout Rowan County as part of the Summer Meals Program.
Any child between the ages of 3–18 can receive a summer meal from one of the program sites. Children must be present to receive their meal and are required to eat onsite.
According to an email from Rowan County Public Health there will be an additional meal distribution site for the school system’s Summer Food Program at its location on East Innes Street.
“Through this partnership, Rowan County Public Health is helping ensure that children across the community continue to have access to nutritious meals while school is out of session,” the health department noted.
Rowan County Public Health, in partnership with DSS, will host the weekly meal distribution every Tuesday at 11 a.m. at DSS, beginning June 2 and continuing through July 28 — making it even easier for families to access nutritious meals close to home.
“The initiative directly addresses priorities identified in Rowan County’s Community Health Needs Assessment, which highlights food insecurity and limited access to healthy foods as ongoing challenges for children and families,” the health department’s email said. “During the school year, many youth rely on school meals as a primary source of nutrition, making the summer months especially difficult for households facing economic hardship.
“This initiative reflects a shared commitment among community partners to address health disparities and improve outcomes for children across Rowan County. By increasing access to nutritious foods and hosting meal distribution at the Rowan County Department of Social Services (DSS), the program not only meets immediate nutritional needs but also connects families to a variety of supportive services in one convenient location. While children receive meals, parents and caregivers can access resources through DSS and Rowan County Public Health, including assistance programs, health services, and community support. This co-location reduces barriers such as transportation and time constraints, helping families meet multiple needs in a single visit while supporting long-term health and well-being.”
Meal sites
• At the Cross Ministries, located at 201 West D Avenue, Salisbury will serve lunch at 1:25 p.m. from June 2 through July 28 (site closed on Mondays).
• Bethel United Methodist Church, located at 2380 Long Ferry Road, Salisbury will serve lunch at 11:35 a.m. from May 28-July 2.
• BrickEd & More, located at 1406 West Innes Street Suite B, Salisbury, will serve breakfast at 8:45 a.m. and lunch at 12:10 p.m. from June 8 through July 24.
• Clancy Hill Apartments, located at 100 Clancy Street, Salisbury, will serve lunch at 12:50 p.m. from May 28 through July 28 (site closed on July 6).
• First Presbyterian Church, located at 308 West Fisher Street, Salisbury, will serve lunch at 11:30 a.m. from May 28 through July 28.
• Hall Gym, located at 1400 West Bank Street #B, Salisbury, will serve lunch at 11:20 a.m. ffrom June 1 through July 25 (site closed on July 19).
• Happy’s Farm, Inc., located at 985 Parks Road, Salisbury, will serve breakfast at 8:45 a.m. and lunch at 12:15 p.m. from May 28 through July 28.
• Horizons Unlimited, located at 1636 Parkview Circle, Salisbury, will serve breakfast at 8:30 a.m. and lunch at 11:05 a.m. from June 22 through July 10.
• J.F. Hurley YMCA, located at 828 Jake Alexander Boulevard West, Salisbury, will serve breakfast at 7:45 a.m. and lunch at 11:45 a.m. from May 28 through July 28.
• J. Fred Corriher Jr. YMCA, located at 950 Kimball Road, China Grove, will serve breakfast at 8:35 a.m. and lunch at 11:45 a.m. from May 28 through July 28.
• Rowan County DSS, located at 1813 E Innes St, Salisbury, will serve lunch every Tuesday at 11 a.m. starting June 2 and continuing through July 28.
*There will be no food service on July 3.
Meal menus
Breakfast
Monday: Cinnamon Toast Crunch, 100-percent juice, milk
Tuesday: Muffin, 100-percent juice, milk
Wednesday: Strawberry Pop-Tart, 100-percent juice, milk
Thursday: Breakfast banana bread, 100-percent juice, milk
Friday: Muffin, 100-percent juice, milk
Lunch Menu No. 1 (Served alternating weeks)
Monday: Beef and cheese nachos, tortilla chips, corn, fruit of the day, milk
Tuesday: Hot dog on bun, baked beans, fruit of the day, milk
Wednesday: Pizza, green beans, fruit of the day, milk
Thursday: Hamburger on bun, pickles, fruit of the day, milk
Friday: Chicken filet on bun, carrots and ranch dressing, fruit of the day, milk
Lunch Menu No. 2 (Served alternating weeks)
Monday: Salisbury dippers, marinara sauce, corn, fruit of the day, milk
Tuesday: Chicken drumstick, green beans, fruit of the day, milk
Wednesday: Hamburger on bun, baked beans, fruit of the day, milk
Thursday: Chicken filet on bun, pickles, fruit of the day, milk
Friday: Ham/cheese on bun, carrots and ranch dressing, fruit of the day, milk