By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
The Kansas State Department of Education recently reported that 49 percent of Kansas public school students were approved for free and reduced-price lunches during the last school year. That need continues even when classes are not in session. USD 428 Public Information Director Andrea Bauer said the Free Summer Meal Program is going strong at five Great Bend elementary schools.
"We see the need right now," she said. "Everyone is feeling the pressure at the grocery store. This opportunity to provide free meals is really important to our community. We're serving 850 kids, on average, a day. That's 1,900 meals each day. We know that's helping out families regardless of their income. Everyone is welcome, anyone 18 and under. We'd love to have them eat with us for lunch."
Each weekday through June 28, the program is offered from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Park, Lincoln, Jefferson, Riley, and Eisenhower elementary schools in Great Bend. From July 1-19, the program will continue at Eisenhower, Jefferson, and Riley schools. Anyone 18 or younger can stop by and get lunch for that day and breakfast for the following morning. Meals are prepared to grab and go but students may choose to eat at the school.
There are no income or residence requirements, however a permit is required to participate. Families can stop by any of the schools between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to get the permit. Any child who will be using a permit must be present at the time.