There Is Such A Thing As A ‘Free Lunch,’ THANKS Governor, First Lady Bullock

During the summer, students from low-income families who take advantage of the school breakfast and lunch programs often find themselves hungry when those programs are no longer available.

It’s with this in mind, that Governor Steve Bullock and First Lady Lisa Bullock announced Tuesday that the Montana No Kid Hungry program has awarded more than $20,000 in grants to support local Summer Meal Programs that are adding a site or meal, expanding days of operation, or increasing outreach.

“Summer is a great time for hikes, camping, and spending time on lakes, but for many Montana families it also means reworking their finances and schedules to ensure their kids have access to nutritious meals,” Governor Bullock said. “Summer meal programs are a great way for families to ensure their kids have access to nutritious meals in a safe and healthy environment.”

Sites that have received grants are:

·         Ronan Middle School
·         Eastgate Elementary School
·         Anaconda Family Resource Center/Boys & Girls Club of Deer Lodge County
·         Lockwood School District 26
·         Community Café
·         Boys & Girls Club of Cascade County
·         Granite County Medical Foundation
·         Thompson Falls School District 2
·         Salish Kootenai College
·         Rosebud Health Care Center
·         Grace Lutheran Church
·         Boulder Elementary School
·         Arlee School District 8-J

“Even during summer, hunger and poor nutrition can have negative impacts on a child’s development,” First Lady Lisa Bullock said. “These summer meal programs are finding innovative ways to ensure that kids have nutritious meals, served in a safe environment.”

Summer meal programs are free to kids and teens ages 18 and younger. There is no application to fill out and programs do not require proof of income.

Montanans can find a summer meal program in their community by texting “lunch” to 877-877, going to www.mfbn.org/summerfoodmt, or by calling 1-800-809-4752.