The Madison Metropolitan School District has partnered with city leaders to make sure kids aren’t going hungry this summer.
Children 18 or younger can get free lunch Monday through Friday all summer long at Southdale and Elver parks.
They can also visit the Bookmobile there and learn about “farm to school” initiatives to bring fresh foods into the cafeteria.
MMSD kicked off the program Monday afternoon with its partners REAP Food Group, Madison Parks and Public Health Madison and Dane County.
“The most important thing here is we are here to feed your minds and your bodies,” Mayor Paul Soglin said at the kickoff event. “If you’re going to grow up healthy and strong, we know that you need books and you need food.”
There is a new addition to the program this year. The City of Madison is contributing to provide free meals to parents who accompany their children.
REAP Food Group said the summer program ensures children and families who rely on school breakfast and lunch meals stay nourished while school is out for the summer.
Youths can also eat free breakfast, lunch and dinner at 50 different locations throughout the city this summer.
For more information about those locations and meal times, visit mmsd.org/food.
