Summer food program available in several locations

The Summer Food Service Program is a federal program that reimburses providers who serve healthy meals to children and teens at no charge during the summer months.

According to the USDA, Children need healthy food all year long. During the school year, many children receive free and reduced price breakfast and lunch through the school breakfast and national school lunch programs. The USDA summer food program is designed to fill the nutrition gap while school is not in session.

In the first week, Boundary County Middle School served an average of 30-35 kids a day, but the cafeteria was prepared for many more, said server Sandy Moss June 17.

She also attributed low numbers to the inclement weather.

“We came every day last year,” said one mother who brought her children to grab lunch. “This is our first time this year. I’ve been working.”

Even with the rain, kids were swimming at the city pool June 17 and some took time out to grab a carton of milk and string cheese offered as a snack by the Summer Lunch program. Snacks are available at the pool at 9:30 and 1:15 weekdays until Aug. 15.

In Boundary County, the summer food program is administered by Tammy Schneider at the Boundary County School District. The school district provides locations for the meals but USDA distributes them. Meals are served free to anyone ages one to 18. Parents or adult guardians have the option to purchase a meal for $3.60 or choose items a-la-carte.

Meals will be served at the following locations and times:

Valley View Elementary School: June 9 to Aug. 7, Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Summer reading and math activities on Thursdays in the Library from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Boundary County Middle School: June 9 to Aug. 15, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Boundary County Municipal Pool: June 9 to Aug. 15, 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. to 1:40 p.m. Monday through Friday.

United Methodist Church: July 7 through 11, 12:30 to 1 p.m.

Hope House: Tuesdays, June 10 to Aug. 12, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. Craft projects are available as an activity.

Anyone with questions can contact Tammy Schneider at tammy.schneider@mail.bcsd101.com or 267-5519 ext.118.