ADA COUNTY, Idaho -- The Boys & Girls Clubs of Ada County will provide free meals to children ages 1 through 18 at four locations this summer as part of efforts to combat food insecurity when school is out of session.
The summer meal program, offered in partnership with the Idaho Department of Education's Summer Food Service Program, will operate Monday through Friday at locations in Meridian and Garden City from June 2 through Aug. 8. The Kuna location will serve meals from June 9 through Aug. 13.
"At Boys & Girls Clubs, we know that children who receive daily nutrition are set up to succeed," said Tracy Yost, Boys & Girls Club nutrition director. "That's why we're grateful to partner with the Idaho Department of Education's Summer Food Service Program to provide access to free healthy meals when school's out for summer."
Summer presents particular challenges for the one in six U.S. children who struggle with food insecurity, many of whom depend on free or reduced-price meals during the school year.
Children do not need to be members of the Boys & Girls Club to receive meals. The program is open to all youth regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.
Meal service locations and times:
-- Moseley Center in Garden City: Breakfast from 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and supper from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
-- Riverfront Park in Garden City: Lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
-- Meridian Boys & Girls Club: Breakfast from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and lunch from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.
-- Kuna Boys & Girls Club: Breakfast from 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Ada County serves more than 4,600 children at eight locations throughout the county, offering youth development programs that emphasize academic success, character development and healthy lifestyles.