photo by: Lawrence Public Schools

USD 497 staff and volunteers distribute meal kits on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at the Youth Sports Complex 4911 W. 27th St. in Lawrence.

The Lawrence school district has opened registration for free, weekly summer meal kits and will begin offering on-site meals next month.

The school district will be continuing its summer meal kits program this year. Families can pick up five days of breakfasts and lunches for free on Tuesday mornings from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the Douglas County Fairgrounds Open Air Pavilion, 2110 Harper Street. The meal kits will be available June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 and July 7, 14 and 21. Families are encouraged to bring a reusable tote with them while picking up the meal kits.

According to the district’s website, there will be card given for each child to pick which items will be packed specifically for them. For example, there will be an option if a child only wants chocolate milk.

The meal kits are for families to take and prepare at home for children ages 1 through 18. Registration is required ahead of time, and families can register for the kits at http://www.usd497.org/SMKR2026.

The meal kit preparation instructions will be available at https://www.usd497.org/about-us/departments/nutrition-and-wellness/food-service/summer-meals.

The district will also have a public meal site at Sunset Hill Elementary School, 901 Schwarz Road, where a free meal will be available from June 1 to July 24 – with the exception of June 19 and July 3 – on Monday through Friday from noon to 12:45 p.m. The meal must be eaten on-site and cannot be taken home.

This meal does not require a registration or ID. Children ages 1 through 18 will eat free, and adult meals can be purchased for $5 with cash or check. The on-site lunch menu is available at https://www.usd497.org/about-us/departments/nutrition-and-wellness/food-service/summer-meals.

Dottie the Lawrence Public Library Bookmobile will be at Sunset Hill Elementary every Monday from noon to 1 p.m. People can check out new library books and return borrowed books. On Tuesdays, attendees to the Sunset Hill Elementary meal can enjoy a free performing arts series featuring local storytellers, poets and musicians. There will also be interactive music and storytelling activities.