By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
The free summer meals program for any child ages 1-18 will again be offered in Hays starting June 3 and running through Aug. 8.
"We're going back to the popular drive-through method," said Jessica Younker, nutrition services director for USD 489. "It's convenient, especially for those who don't have the time to sit and eat."
The program is funded by the federal government which reimburses the Hays school district for every meal it serves. There are no income requirements.
"Last year, we served anywhere from 600 to 900 kids a day," she said.
"There's a big need for it, especially with the prices at the grocery store.
"There's a lot of kids that rely on the school meal series during the school year. This just kind of helps fill that gap over the summer with nutritious balanced meals to eat."
The meal site will be on the west side of Hays High School, 2600 E. 13th, near the gym doors.
Hays High has the biggest kitchen in USD 489.
"You'll see our tent out there with our staff," she said.
Breakfast and lunch are served at the same time.
"You'll get a hot box with a hot lunch and then a bag with cold food in it, and also a breakfast for the following day."
On Thursdays, participants will get four meals to cover breakfast and lunch on Fridays when the site is closed.
The children must be in the vehicle with an adult.
"That's one requirement, that we have to be able to see the child so we know the meal is going to children," Younker said.
Pick-up waivers are available if the child cannot be in the car.
"Parents will be able to pick up meals without the children present, once we have that completed. Only parents can do this, not daycare providers or others," she said.
"We sometimes have teenage babysitters come through with the kids they're watching and the babysitters themselves are also eligible for the free meals."
The meal pick-up time is 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Monday through Thursdays, June 3-Aug. 8.
Anyone with questions may call the Younker at 785-623-2400, Ext. 115.
THIS STORY WAS UPDATED AT 9:05 A.M. MONDAY TO REFLECT A CORRECTION ABOUT PICK-UP WAIVERS. THEY ARE AVAIBLE IF A CHILD CANNOT BE IN THE VEHICLE.