HELENA — The free summer meal program for area children officially kicked off Tuesday in Helena.
Hot dogs, burgers, carrots, apples and milk were among the offerings at Memorial Park.
The program offers children 18 and under a free meal at one of seven locations around Helena.
Robert Worthy, Food Services director, told MTN News the most important part of the program is having people show up to eat.
He said the more kids that use the program means the more they can provide — and a child does not have to be in the free and reduced program to eat.
“The biggest thing is making people aware. And the other hurdle we have is people think this is only for free and reduced students. [It] doesn’t matter who you are,” Worthy said. “The more kids in the program makes the program be able to pay for itself.”
Worthy said groups with 20 or more kids that would like to utilize the free lunch program should contact food services so they can be prepared — otherwise, just show up and eat.
Adults who accompany children are charged $5 for a meal.
For more information on location and times, click here.
-Reported by Melissa Jensen/MTN News
