In the kitchen of Harper Elementary School in Evansville, Cafeteria Manager Sharon Friday briefly opens a warming case to reveal the free community lunch for Monday, June 3 — cheeseburgers with tater tots.
“We have another option,” she said – such as yogurt and fruit, or peanut butter and jelly.
Free Summer feeding programs via local school districts have begun, for the most part, on Monday. At various locations lunch and breakfast are free for children 18 years old and younger. These are funded by the US Department of Agriculture.
Proof of income is not required. Prior registration could be required for enrolled sites.
The Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation, Henderson Community Schools and Warrick County Schools have released their summer meal programs; and detailed information is available on their websites and social media.
EVSC has 11 locations providing meals through the month of June. All sites are closed weekends and Juneteenth.
Harper Elementary Principal Jake VanWinkle said this provides the consistency of a morning and afternoon meal for students, and children of area families that need it.
"It's just a great opportunity to ensure students continue to get the meal services that they would typically receive during the school year," he said. "We know that some families and some areas in the city have some food insecurities; this is just one of those additional ways where we can ensure that they have a good meal on a daily basis."
Henderson schools has three mobile routes and three fixed locations. They are the TBJ Early Learning Center, Jefferson Elementary and Henderson County High School.
Select locations will offer meals in July. EVSC’s Vogel Elementary School will participate through July 26, and be closed July 4.
July meals will also be available through Henderson Community Schools, July 8 through the 26th served at the JFK Center and Salvation Army.
According to USDA guidelines, with some exceptions, meals must be eaten on site. Participating locations have adult meals for a fee.
Warrick County’s program is called “Sun Meals,” and is available through fixed locations and a mobile service.
Free Breakfast and lunch are available at Oakdale and Chandler Elementary Schools until June 21st.
Meals are required to be eaten on site.
The mobile service, Sun Meals To-Go, requires registration online, but being a Warrick County student is not required.
For specific times and locations, check the school district website or social media.