83,000 Maine students are eligible for school lunch programs, but in many cases that food is only available during the school year.

Now there are 10 new summer lunch programs opening up to help fill the gap. Those programs are opening up in community centers, town parks, and local churches.

According to the US Department of Agriculture Maine went from being the state with the 3rd worst hunger problem in the country to having the 2nd worst.

The announcement of the new programs is welcome news for struggling families.

“I have a small family, low income and its a big relief to have one meal taken care of a day, that’s five meals a week and it makes a big difference,” said parent Nicole Saavedra.

If you’d like to find a summer meals program near you all you have to do is dial 211 on your phone.