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As local schools provide free meals to all students, free breakfasts and lunches are now available to local children not enrolled in public school. Available to any child under 18, the free meals …
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As local schools provide free meals to all students, free breakfasts and lunches are now available to local children not enrolled in public school. Available to any child under 18, the free meals will be handed out at Powell Valley Healthcare on weekday mornings.
Similar to the Summer Food Service Program, there will be no questions asked.
“Basically, parents or children themselves just have to show up — no need to apply or worry about if they qualify to receive the meal,” said Travis Tucker, nutrition services director at PVHC.
Both meals will be served from 9 to 11 a.m. on weekdays at the north entrance of the Powell Valley Care Center along Grand Street.
“This way we can maintain social distance and offer contactless pick up,” Tucker said.
He said PVHC is excited to partner with Park County School District No. 1 to provide the free meals, which are an extension of the Summer Food Service Program through the USDA.
Park 1 announced last month that the program was extended through December, so students enrolled in Powell schools could receive free breakfasts and lunches. Thanks to the partnership with PVHC, the free breakfasts and lunches are now available to children who do not attend Powell schools, including those under the age of 5.
“It is truly an honor to work with our school district to provide meals for our community during these challenging and uncertain times,” Tucker said.
Meals this fall will not be sack lunches, but rather, a hot breakfast and a reheatable lunch, he said.
The free meals started on Monday, and will continue through Dec. 22, following the school district’s schedule to mirror the days they offer the program, he said.
Park 1 is posting monthly menus on its website at www.pcsd1.org/Food-Services (look for the PVHC menu). Meals are served with whole grains, milk and juice.
Since schools are back in session, PVHC does not have the support of employed student aides or VISTA volunteers. Tucker said he is working with internal volunteers and the PVHC Nutrition Department to staff the free meal program; they have the distribution covered, so there is not a need for additional volunteers at this time.
“They are very excited about this project,” said Jim Cannon, PVHC spokesman.
