HONOLULU — The Hawaii State Department of Education announced children ages 18 and younger will be able to receive free meals throughout the summer at 73 public schools through the Seamless Summer Option program, the department’s summer food service program.

The program, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, was established so that children could continue to receive nutritious meals during the summer months when schools are out of session.

The 73 select schools will serve meals Monday through Friday starting Monday, June 10. Breakfast will be available from 7:15 to 8:45 a.m. and lunch 10:30 a.m. to noon. Meals will not be served on state-observed holidays, June 11 (King Kamehameha Day) and July 4 (Independence Day).

“Consistent nutrition is vital to growing children during the summer break when they may not be in school to receive meals,” said Superintendent Keith Hayashi in a news release. “We encourage all of our families to make these free meals part of their children’s summer schedules to maintain their healthy development.

“We are grateful to our participating schools and dedicated cafeteria staff for giving all keiki the opportunity to receive balanced, nutritious meals,” said Hayashi.

Schools have the option of serving breakfast or lunch only, or both.

Parents can view the list of schools with meals service days and times or call the nearest participating school for details.

Meals will be offered only on campus; there is no grab-and-go option. Keiki do not have to be enrolled at a participating school to receive a meal. For special diet accommodations, email specialdiets@k12.hi.us with detailed information for your child.

According to HIDOE, schools offering the SSO program must have 50% or more of its regularly enrolled students qualify for free or reduced-priced lunches and some type of summer program on campus.

Sarah Yamanaka covers news and events for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.