Warren County Schools Summer Food Program off to strong start
Warren County Schools' Summer Food Program is off to a strong start, with participation already trending strong compared to last year's record-setting numbers.
Through a partnership with the East Tennessee Human Resource Agency (ETHRA), Warren County Schools distributed more than 174,000 meals to local children during the summer of 2025. Based on early participation this year, district leaders hope to surpass that total.
The program provides free meals to all children in Warren County under the age of 18 throughout the summer months, helping ensure students continue to have access to nutritious food when school is not in session. The only information required to sign up is a name andnumber of children in the household.
During the first two weekly meal distributions of the summer, families picked up more than 47,000 meals.
During the first distribution on May 28, families received:
● 11,466 breakfasts
● 11,466 lunches
● 22,932 total meals
During the second distribution on June 4, families received:
● 12,166 breakfasts
● 12,166 lunches
● 24,332 total meals
The second week saw an increase of 700 breakfasts and 700 lunches over the first week, reflecting growing participation from families across Warren County.
"The response from families has been tremendous," said Terri Mullican, Warren County Schools School Nutrition Director. "When you see more than 47,000 meals distributed in just the first two pickup weeks, it shows how important this program is to our community."
Families who register for the Summer Food Program receive a seven-day supply of breakfast and lunch for each child every week. Meal pickups are held Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at West Elementary School throughout June and July and at Warren County Middle School during June.
In addition, students participating in summer school programs receive free breakfast and lunch each day, along with a three-day supply of meals on Thursdays to help cover weekend needs.
There will be no meal pickup on Thursday, July 2, due to the Independence Day holiday week.
For more information about the Summer Food Program, contact School Nutrition Director Terri Mullican at (931) 668-4022 or mullicant1@warrenschools.com.
