RICHLAND, Wash. – Students needing free meals over the summer can start picking up lunches at multiple school districts around the region, including the Tri-Cities later this month. There are over 20 locations around the Tri-Cities where students can get a free meal.
Wendy Merske, the Nutrition Services Manager for the Richland School District, said the state runs the free lunch program. She says the Richland School District will provide meals to those 18 and under regardless of what school district you’re in.
Students don’t have to sign up or get on a list to get a free meal; they just have to show up at one of the six locations around Richland, according to Merske. With rising food costs, she said this is needed in the community.
“It’s very important to the community because there’s a lot of kids and a lot of food insecurity with kids,” said Merske. “This allows them to still get a breakfast and a lunch at any of our sites for free for the entire summer.”Feeding America said more than 13 million children faced hunger in 2022. This could lead to poor academic performance, increased health problems and developmental differences.Richland isn’t the only school district offering this service. The Kennewick School District and the Pasco School District are also doing the same thing.For a list of Kennewick’s times and locations, click here.For a list of Richland’s times and locations, click here.For a list of Pasco’s times and locations, click here.According to RSD, meals must be eaten on-site. The other school districts say the same. Meals are available daily and for weekly pick-up at locations throughout Kittitas County. Full details and locations are available here.Easton School. Monday 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.Roslyn City Park. Wednesday 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.Thorp School. Tuesdays 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Preregistration required by calling 509-925-5990.Auvil Fruit Company. Tuesdays 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.Vantage Mobile Park. Tuesdays 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.Five day a week pick-up will be available in Cle Elum, Ellensburg and Kittitas
