T-R PHOTO BY LANA BRADSTREAM — The Marshalltown Community School District will continue to supply meals to students during the summer months. The meals will be given at select school buildings and on daily bus routes.

No student needs to go hungry this summer. 

The Marshalltown Community School District will continue to offer breakfast and lunch to students during the summer months. Since the school district closed its doors in March students have been able to pick up meals at designated times at schools around the town. 

“We want to make sure our students are fed and taken care of this summer,” said Lynn Large director of food service. “Historically we do this program every summer, so we just feel it’s really important given the uncertain nature of COVID, and people’s jobs.”

Starting Monday, students can come pick up meals from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Anson, Hoglan, Fisher, Franklin, Rogers and Woodbury elementary schools, as well as at Lenihan Intermediate School, Miller Middle School and Marshalltown High School. The district also has a mobile route for students that can’t make it to the schools. 

Some things to remember for the meal pick up:

• Meals are for children ages 1 to 18 years old.

• All meals will be served grab and go. Each bag will contain a breakfast and a lunch.

• Adults or responsible siblings may pick up on behalf of children.

• Meals for the weekend will be handed out on Friday.

• Patrons are allowed to visit only one location per day.

“We’re going to continue five mobile routes,” Large said. “Meals are available at every school building.” 

The meal program isn’t changing much. 

“Having consistent nutrition really helps students to be prepared to learn when they come back to school in the fall,” Large said. “We have a higher population of low income families and many of them rely on what they get at school to help the family get by because we offer free and reduced food benefits during the school year.”

This summer the district is offering a little change in some of its meals. Instead of a cold dish, students will find food that can quickly cook at home in a microwave or oven. 

“We’re going to start a take and bake program, where students might receive a slice of pizza or a corn dog or chicken nuggets,” Large said. “I’m really excited to offer that to give them a little more variety.” 

Large and the school district have worked hard to make sure students know the food’s available. At least 1,400 children, or 34 percent of the student population, have been able to get meals per day. Large is hoping more students will come during the summer. 

Even if the COVID-19 pandemic keeps schools closed through the fall, Large pledges to continue to try to feed her students. 

“I hope that kids that have been our regular attenders for meal time will continue,” she said. “I hope we can get the message out there. We’re hoping for a big turnout and a fun summer.” 

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Contact Thomas Nelson at tnelson@timesrepublican.com