Summer Lunch Program Provides Free Meals for Youth

The Summer Lunch Program for kids and teens in Mandan provides free meals for youth 18 years and younger. The program is open Monday to Friday and takes place at different locations and times. These include Kiwanis Park from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Dykshoorn Park from 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., and Eagles Park from 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Mandan Public Schools (MPS) has partnered with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide the meals. Although the meals are free for youth, adults can eat for $5. All meals must be consumed on site.

The lunch program has been feeding kids for 10 years. MPS Director of Nutrition Services Becky Heinert is the backbone of this program. Although Heinert recently retired after 38 years in school food service, her passion has not died. Heinert works to set up the program every year. She completes the paperwork with the State office, plans the menu, and makes sure there is enough staff for the outdoor sites and prep work.

“We knew that there were students in our district that needed this program. For the parents who cannot be home, this program helps to ensure the children are still getting a well balanced meal,” Heinert said. “It does not matter about anyone's financial situation. We feed everyone 18 years and younger. The more participation we have, the better for the program.”

The lunch program started on June 2 and will end July 31. No meals will be served from July 3 to 4. It is thanks to passionate individuals such as Heinert that this program is available to the community.