The Eat United Summer Food Service program launched this week in Crookston with a strong turnout. Meals are served Mondays through Thursdays at the Lion’s Shelter at Ray Ecklund Park from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The program, a collaborative effort between Crookston Public Schools and United Way of Crookston, is entering its 12th year and offers free meals to kids ages 18 and younger. Funding for the program is provided by a grant from United Way. The goal of the program is to help provide nutrition to kids through the summer break from school.
“It’s absolutely vital,” said Crookston Schools Food Service Director Emily Scheresky. “There’s a huge gap in food security in the summer time when students aren’t able to have free breakfast and lunch anymore, because they’re not going to school. So, we’re trying to fill that gap where we can to try and make sure that the kiddos are still being able to have a very healthy, nutritious, tasty meal during the summer.”
The program offers meals that include a main dish, a side of fruits and vegetables, and milk. The meals are offered on a weekly rotation to give the kids several options throughout the summer.
“We try to serve some of the favorites that we serve during the actual school year,” said Scheresky. “Some of the products that we offer are things like chicken burgers, french toast sticks, which is what we’re having today, as well as other items such as cheeseburgers, hot dogs, things that you kind of think of summer when you think of those meals.”
Kids do not need a parent or guardian present to get a meal, but the meal must be eaten in full on-site. Adults can purchase their own meal for $6. Meals are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Eat United Summer Food Service Program will run every week through July 30 except for June 29-July 3 due to the July 4 holiday. Meals are served rain or shine except if lightning is in the area. Anyone with questions about the summer food service program can contact Scheresky at 218-281-5313 ext. 7.
