Litchfield, Ky. (WBKO) – With school out for the summer, Grayson County Schools are doing more than keeping bellies full—they’re helping kids stay active and connected.
Through its Meals on the Bus program, the district is providing nutritious lunches alongside summer enrichment kits designed to promote play, creativity, and well-being.
Every weekday from noon to 1 p.m., four buses make stops across the county, offering free meals to children. But what kids walk away with goes far beyond a lunch bag. The goal is to keep students mentally and physically engaged even when classrooms are closed.
“I feel like our goal is — if a kid is outside having fun, their day is going to be better,” said Shaylee Watson, a Family Resource Center coordinator. “That way, they’re not just cooped up inside on an iPad or a tablet. And so if the kid’s outside, it’s just — mental health is better.”
Watson rides the bus on certain days to meet families face to face, ensuring they know Family Resource Centers are still available during the summer.
“I wanted to bring awareness that if you need FRC during the summer, we’re still here,” she said. “That way, if families need me, they know where to find me.”
Beth Lee Meredith, with the school nutrition team, says the program also helps maintain relationships between school staff and students. Many of those delivering meals during the summer are the same people serving them during the school year.
“It is extremely important for us to be supplying meals for our kiddos during the summer,” Meredith said. “They’re able to stay in contact with them and provide them a good meal every day.”
Programs like Meals on the Bus are especially critical during summer, when healthy routines can fall by the wayside. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only about one in four children gets the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity. By offering tools that encourage outdoor play and hands-on learning, the program aims to help change that.
The Meals on the Bus program runs through July 20. Parents and guardians can find stop times, locations, and additional resources on the Grayson County Schools website and Facebook page.
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