Child nutrition is an important to consider in the summer months. To make healthy meals convenient, accessible, and free for children in our community, USD 428 will provide free summer meals during the months of June and July with multiple pick-up locations.
Children age 1-18 can participate in the Summer Food Program. Each weekday, June 6 – 30, meal packages containing lunch and breakfast for the following day are available from 11 am -1 pm at all five elementary schools, Eisenhower, Jefferson, Lincoln, Park, and Riley. On weekdays in July, 5 – 29, meal packages will be provided at three elementary schools from 11 am – 1 pm, Eisenhower, Park, and Riley.
In both June & July, children will have the option to eat lunch on-site or take the meal package togo. Food Service Director Kristi Alvord encourages all families to utilize the program this summer.
“This is a great opportunity,” Alvord said. “As parents, we are busy in the summer months. This is an easy, fast, and free meal package available to anyone 18 and under. This is also a great way to welcome younger children into a school building, teach them about school meals, and give them nutrition education while enjoying lunch. For the soon-to-be kindergartners, it will give them an idea of what to expect when they start school in August.”
The Summer Food Service Program is funded by the United Stated Department of Agriculture. Each summer, USDA collaborates with local organizations like USD 428 to provide free meals to children when school is not in session.
For over 25 years, USD 428 has provided this community service.
Pick-up Permits have been approved by the USDA and will be issued this summer. Children must attend at the time the permit is issued. This allows parents/guardians to pick-up future meal packages without their children present. The permit is only valid at the site where it is issued.
For more information, call the USD 428 Central Kitchen, 620-793-1540.