HRDC’s summer lunch program for kids available at numerous locations
In its continuing effort to combat food insecurity across our community, HRDC will again provide free, freshly made, nutritious meals to children 18 and under throughout the summer months at numerous locations in Bozeman and Big Sky.
HRDC’s Kids Summer Lunch Program is provided in supervised locations where kids can stay active and spend time with friends while enjoying a delicious lunch. The meals are tasty, are crafted from scratch with local ingredients whenever possible, follow USDA nutrition guidelines, and help all families save money. There is not an application process, and the program does not require proof of income.
Bozeman locations include:
– Beall Park: Mon thru Fri from 11:30am–12:30pm next to the pavilion on the corner of E Villard and N Bozeman
– Bozeman Public Library: Mon–Fri from noon–1pm by the main entrance at the top of the front circle
– Gallatin Valley Food Bank: Mon–Fri from 1–4pm with meal pick-up available
– Kirk Park: Mon–Fri from 11:30am–12:30pm under the trees next to the Beall St. parking lot
– MSU Family & Graduate Housing: Mon–Fri from noon–1pm at the playground on the corner of W Garfield and Paisley Ct.
– Story Mill Park: Mon–Fri from noon–1pm under the pavilion in front of the Learning Garden
– Wagon Wheel Trailer Park: Fridays only from noon–1pm on the green space on the west loop near the Koch entrance
– Walton Homestead Park: Mon–Fri from noon–1pm next to the playground just south of Scrubby’s Car Wash on the corner of 15th & Juniper
Summer lunch serving areas beyond Bozeman include:
– Belgrade School District: Mon thru Fri from noon–1pm at the Middle School East Cafeteria; hot lunch is served until Aug. 17th with no meal service July 4th & 5th
– Belgrade Supper: Thurs from 4–7pm with the Mighty Spork food truck for free kids meals and pay-what-you-can suppers at the Belgrade Community Market in Lewis & Clark Park
– Big Sky Community Food Bank: Meals available during regular food bank hours thru Aug. 26th
– Three Forks School: Mon thru Fri with free breakfast from 8–9am and lunch from 11am–1pm near the football stadium concession stand
– Livingston: Free lunch will be available, details pending
Those seeking the closest meal site in the Bozeman area can text “LUNCH” or “COMIDA” to 304-304.
Food insecurity is an income issue, and poverty is one of the strongest predictors of food insecurity. One in seven Gallatin County residents live below the federal poverty level. The USDA estimates that until a family’s income is 185% above the poverty line, they are at risk of experiencing food insecurity. Last year, the Kids Summer Lunch Program served 31,848 meals. On average, more of each household’s income in Gallatin County is going toward increased housing costs this year. HRDC’s Gallatin Valley Food Bank, the entity that oversees the program, is expecting an increase in demand for summer lunches as a result of the higher cost of living that is impacting our community.
“In addition to paying higher rents and higher prices for gas and other commodities, households are experiencing a dramatic increase in food costs as well,” said Lyra Leigh-Nedbor, HRDC’s Child Nutrition Program Coordinator. “It’s no wonder it has become increasingly difficult to make ends meet. Our Kid’s Summer Lunch Program is a simple way families can substantially save on their monthly food budget. Not only do kids get a great lunch and an opportunity to hang out with friends, parents enjoy a stress-free way to provide nourishing meals while making a dent in their monthly grocery bills. It’s a win-win all the way around!”
HRDC is a private, not-for-profit Community Action Organization focused on building a better community through its nearly 50 initiatives aimed at combatting poverty in southwestern Montana. Its Gallatin Valley Food Bank believes nobody should go to bed hungry and they work hard to act as the critical link between food and the people who need it, including providing nutritionally balanced lunches for kids throughout the summer months.
More information about HRDC’s Kid’s Summer Lunch Program can be found at www.gallatinvalleyfoodbank.org. Donors, volunteers and community members can also learn more at www.thehrdc.org. •
