Ephrata schools offer free meals in summer

Meals start June 16

EPHRATA - Ephrata children can eat breakfast and lunch free during summer vacation.

The Ephrata School District-sponsored Summer Food Service Program, funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, begins June 16.

Children ages 1 through 18 are eligible for the program. There are no income restrictions.

"I think that we average about 150 lunches a day, and then our breakfast we average about 100," said Food Service Director Cynthia Witte.

Meals are offered from June 16 to Aug. 1, Monday through Friday, at Columbia Ridge Elementary School, 60 H St. S.E. Meals are also offered July 1 to July 24 Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday at Parkway Elementary School, 1011 Parkway Blvd.

Breakfast is from 7:45 a.m. to 8:45 a.m., and lunch is from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

No meals are served July 4.

Witte said the meal service provides continuity. Many children are home alone in the summer, and the program ensures the children remain well fed in the summer, she said.

According to the Ephrata School District Food Service Department, meals must be eaten on site. Parents can join their children during the meal service, but they must provide their own meal.

For more information, call the food service department at 509-754-4401.