Summer lunches available in Washington

WASHINGTON — Schools have launched their summer lunch program at Stewart Elementary, offering free meals to any children in the community and affordable options for adults every weekday over the summer.

“The purpose of having the summer lunch program is to ensure that students are able to have a well-balanced meal over the summer,” District Food Services Director Yota Giardino said. “That way when they go back to school, their nutrition hasn’t failed over the summer. It’s better for them to be able to learn if they’re well-fed on a regular basis.”

Giardino said the program was universally available for children, no questions asked.

“It has nothing to do with the economy or low-income or anything like that,” she said. “It is provided to all kids.”

There’s no sign-up or registration required, even for non-students. Anyone 18 years old or younger can show up for a free meal, and anyone older can pay $4 for theirs.

The schools are reimbursed for the meals they hand out by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Washington Schools Superintendent Willie Stone said the district benefited from people taking advantage of the program.

“We are paid for on a per-meal basis,” he said. “If we don't serve enough meals we will not cover the costs of our production.”

The program offers a shuttle service around Washington for those needing transportation, with stops at HACAP, Lantern Grove, Bruty Carpet, St. James, Reserves at Briarwood, Lincoln, 1103 East Third Street, and in Brighton.

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