The University of the South announces the return of the South Cumberland Plateau Summer Meal Program, which will provide free grab-and-go meals for children across the region from June 1 through July 31, 2026. There will be no service on July 4.

The program will operate at multiple community sites throughout the South Cumberland Plateau, ensuring children ages 2–18 continue to have access to nutritious meals during the summer months when school is out of session. Meals are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis, and either a child or guardian may pick them up.

In 2025, the program distributed nearly 92,000 meals to children and families throughout the region. Organizers anticipate distributing approximately 100,000 meals this summer due to the addition of an extra week of programming, weather permitting.

“The Summer Meal Program represents the very best of community collaboration,” said Mandy Bouldin, the University’s Director of Community Development. “Every summer, we see firsthand how important reliable food access is for children and families across the Plateau. We are grateful for the volunteers, partners, and organizations that make this effort possible.”

Meal distribution operations are being facilitated by AmeriCorps volunteers serving with the South Cumberland Plateau AmeriCorps program. Volunteers assist with logistics, site coordination, meal counting, and community engagement throughout the summer. When not at meal sites, the Volunteers work at local summer camps and with other nonprofits in the area, providing direct service.

“We could not accomplish this work without the dedication of our AmeriCorps members and the incredible support from the team at McClurg Dining Hall,” said Bouldin. “Their commitment ensures thousands of children receive healthy meals throughout the summer.”

The 2026 Summer Meal Program sites include:

Palmer Library, 2115 Main St., Palmer. Mondays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Grundy Safe Communities Coalition, 14399 US-41, Tracy City. Mondays, 3–6 p.m.

Trinity Episcopal Church, 213 1st Ave., NW, Winchester. Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Pelham United Methodist Church, 2440 SR 50, Pelham. Wednesdays, 3– 6 p.m.

Coalmont Elementary (UT Extension), 7862 TN-56, Coalmont. Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Beersheba Springs Medical Clinic, 19592 TN-56, Beersheba Springs. Thursdays, 3–6 p.m.

Sherwood/Crow Creek Community Center, 10225 Sherwood Rd., Sherwood. Fridays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Altamont Public Library, 1433 Main St., Altamont. Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Morton Memorial UMC Food Distribution, 322 W. Main St., Monteagle. Saturday June 13 and Saturday, July 11, 8–10 a.m.

For site schedules and additional information, families are encouraged to follow the South Cumberland Summer Meal Program on social media to view the official Summer Meal Program flyer.