The Eat United Summer Food Service Program returns for its fifth year, Monday, June 10. Crookston Public Schools, along with the USDA, United Way of Crookston and Tri-Valley Opportunity Council provide free summer lunches to all youth in the community on a first come, first serve basis.
Crookston Public Schools Food Service Director Anna Brekken said meals would be offered Monday through Thursday until mid-August. “This is our fifth summer running the free summer meals program,” said Brekken. “What it is, is a free meal to all kids 0-18, no questions asked on a first come, first serve basis. We have yet to run out of meals, so hopefully, we don’t run out this summer. It will Monday, June 10 and runs until Thursday, August 8. We do take off the week of the Fourth of July. So again, that’s free summer meals all summer long.”
There are two locations again this year, both Highland and Wildwood Park said, Brekken. “It’s going to be at Highland Park Complex underneath the Lions Shelter and Wildwood Park on Myrtle St,” said Brekken. “That is from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. We like to stay open a little later at Highland Park because I know that there are some activities that get done at 12:30 p.m. So, we’ll be open for any activities ending at 12:30 p.m. until probably about 12:45 p.m. at Highland Park Complex.”
Tri-Valley Opportunity Council will provide free rides to the food service program according to Brekken. “The school district started the program in 2015,” said Brekken. “It’s a government regulated program, so we get reimbursed per meal from the USDA. The more meals we give away, the more reimbursement we get, which is awesome. Highland Park was so successful that’s why we were able to start Wildwood Park last year. We also get grant money from the United Way of Crookston, and they cover some of the costs of labor it takes to put on. And then we partner with Tri-Valley Opportunity Council. What they do is provide a free bus service for anyone not within walking or biking distance to the parks. So you can call their number and schedule a pickup and tell them you’re going to summer food along with what location you want to go to. It’s a free service to the park and from the park.”
To schedule a ride on T.H.E. Bus call 281-0700.
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