A free summer meal program for everyone in the community under age 18 is being planned by Wayland Union Schools Food Services Director Sarah Parr.
Parr and Schools Information Director Laurie Zywiczynski outlined what they have in mind for 42 days of free meals for youngsters during the coming summer vacation months in June, July and August.
The sessions will take place in seven locations — Gun Lake Community Church, United Church of Wayland, the parking lot at the Administration Building parking lot, the Wayland City Park, Henika Public Library, Steeby Elementary and Pine Street Elementary.
Parr and Finance Director Bill Melching earlier this year attended a training session to get the ball rolling on the program.
Zywiczynski told the board, “Just offering the meals isn’t enough. We need to have places where the kids are gathering already (such as the park and library).”
She said the library has a 10 a.m. Tuesday program for kids that will be part of the free meal offerings on three occasions. She added that Pine Street will feature a program with a live cheetah as part of another meal and program date.
However, all of the meals have to be consumed on site, but all young people in the commu8nity are welcome to attend, regardless of whether or not they attend Wayland schools.
“We’re also trying to get something going for the older students,” Zywiczynski said.
A number of corporate donors, such as United Bank and Chartwells food service, have put together about $4,000 in financial support.
Melching added, “We did try to reach out to all the different churchs and community organizations to get involved.”
PHOTO: Laurie Zywiczynski (standing) and Food Services Director Sarah Parr explain to the school board a free meals program for youngsters over the summer months.
