The Summer Food Program is underway in several communities in Greene County offering free lunch Monday-Friday to children 18 and under.

Lunch is served from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Monday-Friday in Jasonville, Linton, Lyons, and Worthington. Locations are:

Linton: East Shelter, Humphrey’s Park
Jasonville: God’s Safe Haven
Lyons: Lyon’s Community Building
Worthington: Hinchman Building, Worthington Park

The program is funded through the USDA and Indiana Department of Education with SON Ministries serving as the local sponsor. Kelly Zimmerly serves as the program’s coordinator.

“With the price of everything going up, their kids can enjoy a free meal. Make it part of a planned trip to town or if they have access to biking there or golf carts to save on gas go every day 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.,” Zimmerly said to encourage parents to have their children take advantage of the program. “It’s free. It’s nutritious. It runs Monday through Friday until August 2 with the exception of July 4.”

Menus are planned at each site; however, they are subject to change based on availability of items. Examples of some planned meals include: sloppy joe, cheese stick, fresh mixed salad with dressing, pears and milk; turkey manhattan on bread, mashed potatoes, green beans, peaches, and milk; chili dog, carrots with dip, mixed fruit and milk; and scrambled eggs, waffles with syrup, blueberries, peaches, and milk.

“I tried to plan meals I thought kids would really like to eat,” Zimmerly said. “Each kid has to be served the different meal components the two departments say we have to serve. They are to be served eight ounces of milk, a two ounce meat or meat alternative [such as cheese], half cup fruit, half cup vegetable and a grain.”

Free meals are also being served at Eastern Greene although it’s not part of the same program. Now until July 29, ages 18 and under can get free breakfast and lunch from Eastern Greene Schools and Chartwells K12. At the elementary, students can receive a hot or cold meal Monday-Friday through July 22. The high school will be open for lunch only from June 13 to July 29. Breakfast is available from 8 a.m to 8:30 a.m. and lunch is served from 10:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.