Last month, the Kewanee School District began offering free breakfast and lunch for all community children under the age of 18. The program also extends to disabled persons age 21 and under.
The meals are offered through most of June at Kewanee High School, Neponset School, Central School, Lyle School and Belle Alexander, as well as at the Fairview Homes Community Center and the YMCA. Times vary from location to location.
Once that period ends, the meals will be offered at Fairview and Central School until July 26, with the YMCA’s last day of food service on Aug. 2. There will be two holidays during that period, June 19 and July 4, where no meals will be served.
Pat Damron, the district’s head cook, said the Summer Food Service Program is offered through the federal agency, USDA, and administered through the Illinois State Board of Education. The Kewanee School District has taken part in summer program for many years.
“There are a few restrictions,” said Damron, “but if someone is hungry, they are welcome to come to any of our sites. We would love to have them,” he said.
One restriction, Damron said, is the meals must be eaten on the site. To-go containers aren’t allowed so kids will need to show up at the location most convenient during the appropriate meal times.
Damron said the district has been trying to get the word out about the program in hopes of getting word to families with kids who might be food insecure over the summer months.
“There are kids out there that are hungry,” said Damron. “We’re just trying to get the word out to the community. I feel like we’re definitely making a difference and I feel like we’re another resource for the community.”
Over the weekend, the owners of Timeout Pub & Grub, a bar and grill located at 200 E. Seventh St., posted to social media that they had kids coming in asking for food and saying they were hungry. In response to that, and with the help of donations, the restaurant is now offering lunch sacks filled with Uncrustables, chips, fruit and a drink to neighborhood kids who may be experiencing food insecurity during the summer months.
