Summer has arrived and with it, the Kewanee School District #229 free breakfast and lunch program. The Summer Food Program is open to all kids under the age of 18 and under the age of 21, if disabled.
The free meals include both breakfast and lunch and commences with summer school on Thursday, May 25. The meals will be served at all area schools, including Neponset School, the YMCA and the Fairview Home Community Center until the end of June. At that time, free breakfast and lunch can be found only at Central School, Fairview and the YMCA until the end of July.
“You can come to any of those schools and locations through the end of June, then continue on at Central, Fairview and the YMCA until the end of July,” said Pat Damron, head cook for Kewanee School District.
Damron said that changes have been made and unlike previous years, carry-out meals are no longer allowed, per state guidelines.
“The meal must be eaten on site,” he said.
Damron pointed to the different serving times at different schools and facilities and advised parents to check the times of the nearest location. Serving times last about an hour for both breakfast and lunch.
The district is expecting a good number of kids to come in for a free meal or two over the summer. Past years have seen as many as 300 to 400 kids turn out for breakfast and 400 to 500 at lunchtime.
“We have a pretty good number of kids to feed and we’re trying to get the word out,” said Damron. Both yard signs and vinyl fence signs are being utilized.
“Kids don’t need to be worried about a meal Monday through Friday,” Damron said, adding that food insecurity over the summer months is definitely an issue. “I’m glad to be a part of trying to help ensure that kids don’t go hungry. I feel like it’s a blessing to be a part of this.”
The program is part of the Federal Lunch and Breakfast Program. No meals will be served on Monday, May 29, Monday, June 19 or Tuesday, July 4. Check schools and facilities for serving times.
