Families across Marion County can once again take advantage of free summer meals for children as the Summer Meals Program gets underway.
The program began June 1 and will continue through August 2, providing free meals for children ages 18 and younger at several pickup locations throughout the county. Organizers say there are a few changes this year, including new pickup locations and updated eligibility requirements at one site.
Meal pickup locations and schedules include:
- Knoxville High School (South Front Drive): 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
- Bussey City Hall: Noon to 1 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
- Pleasantville United Methodist Church Community Building: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
- Melcher-Dallas Library: Noon to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This location is available only to children who qualified for free or reduced-price lunches during the last school year at Melcher-Dallas Community School District. Families must register in advance by contacting Verlin Goodyk at 641-204-1300. Those who do not qualify may visit any of the other meal sites.
- Caldwell Park Shelter House in Pella (115 University): 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Program organizers remind families that all children must be present the first time meals are picked up. Staff will complete a visual count of eligible children and issue a car tag that must be displayed during future pickups.
After receiving a car tag, parents, legal guardians, grandparents and siblings may pick up meals without the children being present for the remainder of the summer.
The program is open to children 18 years old and younger. Baby and infant food is not provided, and licensed daycare providers are not eligible to participate because they receive meals through the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).
Weekly menus are posted each Sunday on the program’s Facebook page. Families can also scan the QR code included on their car tag to access the menus throughout the summer.
Source: Summer Meals Program organizers / Facebook announcement
