School offers free breakfasts, lunches

They say there’s no such things as a “free lunch.”

That’s not the case in Boundary County, where anyone 18 and under can get a free lunch this summer and a free breakfast.

Boundary County School District qualified for the federal program because more than half of its nearly 1,600 students are considered low-income and qualify for free or reduced-price lunches during the school year, said food service director Randy Tremble.

“This is a bonus, it’s not a handout,” Tremble said.

Breakfast and lunch will be available free to anyone — no matter what their family income — at the following places Monday through Friday:

• Boundary County Middle School — Breakfast 8 to 9 a.m., lunch 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. through Friday, Aug. 21.

• Mt. Hall Elementary School — Breakfast 8 to 9 a.m., lunch 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. from Monday, June 15, to Friday, July 17. The program may be extended to Aug. 21 should participation indicate otherwise.

• Valley View Elementary School — Breakfast 8 to 9 a.m., lunch 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. from Monday, June 15, to Friday, July 17. The program is only open to students enrolled in summer programs at the school and their guardians.

Anyone 19 and older who would like to have breakfast or lunch at any of the locations would pay $1.50 and $3.50, respectively.

About 40 people showed up on Monday and Tuesday at the middle school, Tremble said. The staff will prepare enough food for 100 to 120 daily.

Breakfast typically includes French toast sticks, cereal, bagels and more. For lunch, expect chicken and fish burgers, enchiladas and more.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture funds the program with money passed onto the Idaho State  Department of Education. The program was established to ensure that low-income children continue to receive nutritious meals when school is not in session. The program is open to anyone, regardless of family income.