BCPS to offer free lunch this summer

Burke County Public Schools and Chartwells K12 will offer free lunch to children in the community all summer long.

Families can choose one of multiple options including daily cafeteria lunches, weekly meal bundles and, later this summer, daily lunch from the M.E.A.L. Mobile food truck.

CAFETERIA LUNCHES

Starting Monday, June 8, the BCPS Summer Meals program will serve lunch Monday through Friday at the Hildebran, Mountain View, Valdese and W.A. Young Elementary cafeterias from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. until Friday, June 19.

Starting Monday, June 22, only Mountain View and Valdese elementaries will be open for lunch, serving from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Monday through Thursday. Entree options at all sites include chicken nuggets, sandwiches, cheese pizza, and more and are served with fresh fruits and vegetables.

Kids must be present for these meals and food is not available for takeout.

MEAL BUNDLES

Starting Wednesday, June 10, families can pick up a meal bundle containing seven breakfasts and seven lunches for each child in the household, 18 years old and younger. Pickups will be each Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at East Burke High School and Table Rock Middle School. Kids do not have to be present for the meal pick-up and no sign-up is required.

M.E.A.L. MOBILE

Later this summer, the M.E.A.L. Mobile, BCPS’s food truck, will be out in the community serving free, daily lunches Monday through Thursday starting July 6. Stops include Hillcrest Elementary and Martha’s Park. More information is to come regarding specific times for each stop.

“This summer, we’re proud to offer flexible meal options that make it a little easier for families to keep kids fed while school is out,” said Superintendent Dr. Mike Swan. “Providing free, nutritious meals during the summer helps us continue supporting our students beyond the classroom by easing stress for families and staying connected with our students all year long.”

The BCPS Summer Meals program will operate through Thursday, Aug. 13. All locations are closed June 29 through July 3 in observance of the Fourth of July holiday. Any child 18 years and under can get a free lunch at one of the locations. Children do not have to attend BCPS to receive a free meal.

For more information on the BCPS Summer Meals program, visit the BCPS website or call Burke County Public Schools Child Nutrition Department at 828-439-4318.