By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
The Hays USD 489 summer lunch program has extended its services an additional three weeks.
Had the school district restarted under a normal schedule, the summer lunch program would have ended July 23.
Because the start of school was moved back to Wednesday, Aug. 26, because of concerns about COVID-19, the district decided to extend its summer lunch program to Thursday, Aug. 20. Meals resumed Monday.
"We didn't want some of those families who really rely on us to go an entire month without meals," Jessica Younker, USD 489 director of nutrition services, said.
Younker said the summer lunch program continues to serve 500 to 600 students daily, about twice the number of students it served last summer.
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Younker partially attributed the increase in use to the ease of the drive-through system that was implemented this summer because of COVID-19. She said she also thinks the increase in use is a result of an increase in food insecurity for children.
The program is free to any child 18 and younger. The child does not have to be enrolled in USD 489 schools. There are no income requirements Pick up is available 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays in the Hays High School east parking lot.
A child needs to be present in the vehicle to receive food. If this is not possible, contact food service for assistance.
The summer food program is supported with federal funds.
The Hays school district is preparing to restart school with options for onsite, remote and hybrid learning because of COVID-19.
Younker said varied learning options will make providing meals more difficult.
"Yes, it will be a challenge, but we are up for it, and we will do whatever we need to do to make sure the kids in our district get fed," she said.
