Lunch in the Park program providing free healthy meals for children this summer

(COLUMBIA, MO) - The Lunch in the Park program is returning this summer to provide free, healthy lunches for children during the summer months. The program will run from June 14 to Aug. 13 (no lunch will be served July 5), Monday through Friday from noon to 1 p.m. at Douglass Park's main shelter, 400 N. Providence Road. The program is coordinated by Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services (PHHS) and meals are served by volunteers with the Voluntary Action Center.

"We are glad we can work with our community partners to offer summer lunch meals to help fill the gap at home for the many families who rely on school meals, PHHS Director Stephanie Browning said. "Together, we can offer programs like this to help families and children thrive."

The USDA-funded program is an extension of the school free and reduced lunch program and provides complete, wholesome meals, prepared by Columbia Public Schools. Lunches are available for children 18 years of age and younger to ensure they get a nutritious meal at no cost. 

In addition to the meals being served, there will also be an educational program for the children present each day, such as recycling education, fitness activities, live music, library activities and more.