Washougal to host summer lunch program

During the school year, children have access to a hot, nutritionally balanced lunch at school. For those who arrive early enough, breakfast is also included.

Many of these students receive the meals for free or at a reduced price due to family income levels.

But come summer, many may go hungry.

That’s why the Washougal School District will sponsor the Simplified Summer Food Program for the fifth year in a row. During July and August, free hot and sack lunches will be offered to all children, ages 1 through 18, who want to come.

“This is a program that many communities offer to ensure that children, that might otherwise go hungry, have access to a good lunch during the summer months,” said Mark Jasper, school district nutrition services director.

The United States Department of Agriculture reimburses school districts for the program.

It will be held from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Monday through Friday, July 8 through Aug. 16 at Hathaway Elementary School, 630 24th St.

“Running the food program, I will try to make the meals fun and exciting along with being nutritious,” Jasper said. “I’ll also throw in a few different themes, such as having a barbecue or Hawaiian day menu to break things up a bit.”