Since 2012, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FLDACS) has promoted the 2-1-1 number for families to call for information about the summer food program and to find local summer feeding sites for their children to attend.
In 2015, the project was expanded to include the After School Meal Program and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (USDA foods for seniors). FLDACS develops promotional materials and hosts promotional activities across Florida, all of which instruct Florida residents to dial 2-1-1 for more information.
Participation in the summer food program has increased under this partnership, in part because 2-1-1 organizations screen and refer families who call for something else but who could benefit from the program.
Because 2-1-1 is a 24-hour service, a secondary benefit is that callers can conveniently access information from a live person any time of the day or night.
For more information regarding the Summer Breakspot program and to find a site near you click here.