Free meal program sees success during summer
As kids and adults splashed at the city of Ammon swimming pool, the summer kitchen staff at Bonneville School District 93 prepared Friday’s lunch- free lunch for children.
“All of us believe that everybody should get a good meal and sometimes, during the summer, a lot of kids don’t get a meal during the day,” said Valerie Walker, the kitchen manager.
Just before 11:15 a.m., children from the pool and around town make their way to the Hillview Elementary School meal trailer.
On Friday’s menu are a sandwich, chips, milk, vegetables, fruit and an extra treat. Each child got a free Frisbee to go with their free meal.
Many of the kids can agree that getting a free toy is pretty cool, but they’re also happy with the meal that was on the Frisbee.
Parents and guardians appreciate the nutritional value of the meal.
“It pushes my kids out of their comfort zone because a lot of times they wouldn’t eat cauliflower,” said Marie Black. “Like, if I cut it up, they won’t eat it. But when it’s put in front of them by somebody else, they’ll actually try it and they’re, like, ‘Oh, this is actually pretty good.'”
Families also appreciate what the free lunch program does to help the community.
“(My kids) are lucky enough that they don’t rely on (the program), but I’m sure that there are families that do rely on this meal when they don’t have school meals during the summer,” said Rein Weil. “They need the nutrients, obviously, so that’s good that they have this program that the kids are able to take advantage of.”
The kitchen staff noted that they see the same faces often.
“There’s a lot of families that come consistently, which is nice,” Walker said.”
The community agrees that the staff is definitely a highlight of the meal.
“It’s not just food that they give them. They give them kindness and, sometimes, they don’t get that everywhere else,” Black said.
The Summer Food Service Program at Hillview Elementary School runs every week until July 26. The meals are handed out from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Meals are free for children ages 1-18. Adults can purchase a meal for $3.85.
