BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WBKO) – With summer break underway, some families may be worried about providing consistent meals for their kids. That’s why Hart County Schools has partnered with the Hart County Public Library to bring a month-long, free, summer food service program.
No registration or identification is needed, and the only requirement is that you’re 18 years old or younger. Families can pick up a nutritional hot breakfast and lunch at either of the two food distribution centers between June 2 and June 27.
Hart County High School
- Breakfast runs from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m.
- Lunch runs from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Hart County Public Library
- Breakfast begins at 9 a.m.
- Lunch begins at 11:30 a.m.
Food Service Director for Hart County Schools Amber Ard said the menu is a selection of popular meals provided during the school year.
This program doesn’t just work towards preventing the summer slide; it’s addressing a critical issue you may hear from many nonprofits: hunger doesn’t take a vacation.
“Hart County has a little bit higher in terms of food insecurity compared to the state statistic so being able to come to the library or the high school ensures at least two meals that the parents aren’t gonna have to worry about ‘Where’s the money gonna come from to pay for the food?’” said Susan Rowe, outreach coordinator for the library.
Ard said this is just one small way they can make a huge difference in families’ lives.
“We’re happy to do it, and I mean I love feeding the kids. It makes me feel good that they’re having a healthy lunch, a healthy breakfast, and they’re not going to bed hungry,” Ard said.
She recalled around 150 participants each day last year and projects a much higher number this year. Even on its first day this year, she already saw a big rush of families, grateful and happy to eat.
She also welcomes students from the surrounding area to participate not just from Hart County.
Mia, One Oldham County student visits her grandmother during the summer and loves the library. Food was a welcome surprise in their most recent trip Monday, where she enjoyed her meal and recognized why having a balanced meal is so important.
“Parents or someone could be able to give the kids food to make them healthy and stronger,” she said.
Rowe hopes this program also exposes more locals to the library.
“Sometimes families have never been to the library before and so we’re hoping that this will bring in more patrons so that they see what’s available for them at their library that’s paid for with their taxes,” she said.
In addition to many different services, kids can partake in the library’s summer reading program featuring prizes, guests, magic shows and plays.
You can keep up to date with the library’s latest happenings on their Facebook here.
More information can be found at the Hart County Schools website here.
Copyright 2025 WBKO. All rights reserved.
发表回复