Peach County Schools restores summer meal program after staffing shortage

After announcing an early end to its free summer meal program because of staffing shortages, Peach County Schools has reversed course.

The district’s program will continue until its scheduled end date of July 2 thanks to employees across the district who have volunteered to distribute meals, district official Amy Sanders said Tuesday.

In a June 25 Facebook post, the district said its summer food program would end ahead of schedule due to “circumstances beyond our control.”

The decision raised concerns among families and community members, many of whom expressed on social media that students rely on the program while school is out of session.

Three days later, the district shared an update that the program had been restored.

“Thank you for your patience and understanding as we’ve worked through some unexpected staffing shortages,” the district wrote in a Facebook post Sunday. “We appreciate your flexibility and look forward to continuing to serve our students and families through the remainder of the program.”

District officials said the program, which began June 1, is scheduled to continue through Thursday for families in need.

“We have some of our 12-month employees pitching in and going to Kay Road (Elementary) and Peach County High School to give out the meals,” Sanders told The Telegraph. She said she sent out an email asking employees to “help fill in the gap.”

Although teachers are not on 12-month contracts in the district, Sanders said some volunteered to help distribute meals as well.

Last week for 2026 Peach County Schools summer meals

Peach County Schools’ summer meal program provides free breakfast and lunch to children 18 and younger. Meals are available to students regardless of their school district, and no registration is required, district officials said.

Lunches will be available at Kay Road Elementary and Peach County High schools from 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. until Thursday, according to the district.

Sanders said only lunch is available for the remainder of this week.

District officials said meals also will continue to be served at other approved, off-campus community locations, but they could not share the organizations’ names.

More Middle GA summer food options

In collaboration with the Middle Georgia Community Food Bank, the Matthews-Scippio Impact Group will host a food distribution event July 25 at 1000 Tulip Drive in Fort Valley, according to a social media post.

The MGCFB also has an online database of more than 140 food pantries affiliated with the organization that serve families in need across its 24 county area. Families can contact the agencies to find food items.