Schools will continue free breakfast and lunch for all students during the summer and into the next school year

PRESQUE ISLE, Maine (WAGM) -Schools will continue free breakfast and lunch for all students over the summer and into the next school year. This is a program that started last year during the pandemic and will now run until the end of June 2022. Megan Cole has more on what this means for students and families.

Many families face food insecurity, but the integrated summer program implemented in schools helps tackle this insecurity.

“Which is a program that will provide free meals for the school year to anyone enrolled in the school system that way, meals will be free for everyone. “

“We were using it all last school year and also for the summer, so yes, all of our students can take advantage of it.”

Kathy Allen is the Director of Food Services for MSAD 1. She says they are currently doing their summer feeding program, but will be moving to the continuing program in the fall. Both say this program means a lot to students and their families.

“It’s a big advantage for families. We provide 2 meals. It helps them on their grocery bill, it helps them buy other things. He keeps the food in their cupboards for their children, those who struggle… they appreciate him very much.

“In order for them to be able to learn, they need to have a good meal so they can have free breakfast and lunch throughout the summer and the school year, so it’s a great program.”

Worcester says the program will run until the end of June next year.

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