GLCAC Hosts Free Summer Lunch Program in Methuen

Julius and Aliyas

METHUEN – The Greater Lawrence Community Action Council, Inc. is offering free lunch to children and teens in Methuen this summer so all students continue to eat healthy meals while school is out of session.

All children 18 and under, regardless of income, can show up at GLCAC’s Head Start program, 24 Gill Ave. in Methuen, anytime between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday from June 25 through Aug. 24 to receive a free meal. The site will be closed July 4.

This year, GLCAC will also be offering games and crafts to participants.

“Many families who qualify for free or reduced lunch during the school year struggle to absorb the cost of an extra meal in the summer,’’ said Evelyn Friedman, GLCAC’s executive director. “This program will provide nutritious meals to children in Methuen so they will be healthy and focused when school resumes in the fall.’’

GLCAC opened the summer meals site in Methuen last year to meet the needs of the community. The program operated for 44 days, serving 605 meals.

No registration is necessary. All meals meet federal nutrition requirements and will include whole grains, lean protein, fruit, vegetables and milk.

The Methuen site is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Summer Food Service Program. This summer, the USDA expects to serve more than 200 million fee meals to children 18 years and under at sites across the country.

Many sites provide activities that keep kids active and safe: physical activity, arts, and educational lessons.

For a list of other summer meal locations, visit www.kids4meals.org.