Is the Lawrence Summer Food Program being offered again this year?

The Lawrence Summer Food Program is a program that provides nutritious, free meals for all youths between the ages of 1 and 18. An adult must accompany anyone under the age of 6. Any adult also may purchase lunch for $2 and breakfast for $1.

The program will start Tuesday and run Monday-Friday through July 26 (excluding July 4-5). The program will be extended to Aug. 2 at the Boys and Girls Club site only. Lunch is being served from noon to 1 p.m. at the following sites:

East Lawrence Recreation Center, 1245 E. 15th.

South Park Recreation Center, 1141 Mass. St.

Boys and Girls Club, 1520 Haskell Avenue.

Free breakfasts also are being provided at the Boys and Girls Club from 7:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.

What agencies are involved in the Lawrence Summer Food Program?

There are eight participating agencies: Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence, Lawrence Parks and Recreation, Douglas County ECKAN, Kansas Campaign to End Childhood Hunger, Kaw Valley Children’s Center, K-State Research and Extension-Douglas County, Lawrence Housing Authority Resident Services, and Lawrence public schools food service department. However, this is not a closed group any agency, organization or individual interested in the coordination of this program are welcome to participate. Just contact me at 843-7058.

Who is funding the Summer Food Program?

The Summer Food Program is a federally funded program operated nationally by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administered through the Kansas State Board of Education’s nutrition services.

However, we also are seeking monetary donations from corporations, businesses, community groups, organizations and individuals. The donations will be used to help cover the costs of adult meals for those in need and to supplement the cost of “special feature days,” which are promoted to increase interest in the food program. The donations are tax deductible.

Who is responsible for preparing the food?

The Lawrence public schools food service department prepares, transports and serves the food at all the sites. The cost of the program, including preparing, transportation and serving of meals and related administrative costs, is 100 percent reimbursable through the Kansas State Board of Education’s nutrition services.

I know some kids who may want to participate in the Summer Food Program. What do they need to do?

All they need to do is show up at one of the sites. There is no fee or registration. They don’t need proof of income. They don’t need proof of age. And, they don’t need a meal ticket. If they show up at the designated times, they’ll get fed.

You mean they don’t have to be involved in the Lawrence Parks and Recreation Playground program or the Boys and Girls Club to get a free lunch at those sites?

No. The Summer Food Program is open to anyone who shows up. We just coordinated the sites and times with the Lawrence Parks and Recreation program and the Boys and Girls Club so those involved in those programs also can take advantage of the free lunch program.

So how were the sites selected?

The approved sites meet the qualifications in which at least half the children in the area are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals. However, once the site is approved, any youth between the ages of 1 and 18 can get a free meal.

How do I find out more about the Summer Food Program?

Just call me at K-State Research and Extension-Douglas County, 843-7058.

Susan Krumm is an Extension agent in family and consumer sciences with K-State Research and Extension-Douglas County, 2110 Harper St. She can be reached at 843-7058.