Contributed

When school is not in session, some local children lose access to meals at breakfast and lunch and become at risk of going hungry.

To reduce this possibility, Carolinas HealthCare System Stanly and Stanly County Schools are participating in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Summer Food Service Program to ensure all children have access to free meals in Stanly throughout June, July and August.

Lunch will be offered at the following locations and times:

• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 10 through July 5 (Monday to Friday) at CHS-Stanly;

• 11 a.m. to noon July 8 through Aug. 1 (Monday to Thursday) at Central Elementary School; and

• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 5 to Aug. 23 (Monday to Friday) at CHS-Stanly.

Meals are offered to all children regardless of their family’s income level. The only requirement is that the meal must be consumed onsite.

“We know that students who do not receive proper nutrition over the summer are more likely to experience learning loss or develop long-term health issues,” said Mandy Melton, director of child nutrition for Stanly County Schools.

Although Stanly County Schools has provided the Kids Eat Free program for many years, it is the first year it is offered with the local hospital.

“Families relying on schools for a nutritious lunch and breakfast throughout the school year may not have the ability to provide healthy options over the summer months,” said Seth Goldwire, vice president of operations at Carolinas Healthcare System Stanly. “We’re happy to team up with the Stanly County Schools to provide nutritious meals to help the families of our community.”

— Atrium Health