POTTSTOWN >> Pottstown students will always have a place to go for free lunch this summer, thanks to the return of the borough’s food service program.
Every Monday through Friday from 1-2 p.m. throughout the summer, officials from the borough and the U.S. Department of Agriculture will hand out free, healthy lunches to students 18 and under at 15 locations around the borough, including the Memorial Park Pavilion, 75 W. King St. The program, which began June 20, will run through Aug. 18
The USDA handles the food service program for students in school with the goal of reaching as many children in need of a healthy meal.
“This is an extension of that into the summer,” said Kristin Robinson, summer food coordinator.
Meals are produced by the school district’s food service staff and fit under USDA guidelines. Some of the program’s locations are serving breakfast, including a grain, milk and piece of fruit, Robinson said. For lunch the meal adds another piece of fruit or vegetable and a protein.
Currently about 60 children benefit from the program on average, though that number tends to fluctuate. Weather and special events among other things will affect the number of children who stop by.
“Last week we bumped up the number of lunches because the police K-9 unit was doing a demonstration,” Robinson said. “We anticipated more kids coming.”
Only requirement is students have to stay under pavilion while they eat. Certain limitation what you can take with you don’t want to go out of safe temperature range, she said.
This is Robinson’s first year with the annual program and said the community has really stepped up it’s support.
“All people involved are from the community in some way shape or form, all the way back to the meals being produced in Pottstown High School at the moment,” she said. “People understand the need.”
Borough children and their families are grateful and excited for the program too, she said, adding more are coming to the pavilion by the day to visit as word begins to spread. It’s helpful that the pavilion is right next to the water spray park.
Those interested in participating can simply show up to the pavilion. The food is distributed first come first serve, but the number of meals can be adjusted if organizers are seeming more people come each time.
“We haven’t yet run out of meals,” she said. “We haven’t had to turn anyone away.”
Anyone interested in volunteering can contact the borough parks and recreation department at 610-970-6608.
“We can always use volunteers at our site,” Robinson said, “and other sites need volunteers as well.”
