MCPASD’s free summer meals program, which began in 2016, remains popular with students and families.
“Lunch this year was shocking for us but exciting,” said Assistant Nutrition Services Supervisor Janelle Piddington.
At Middleton High School, Nutrition Services staff have served 20-30 breakfasts each day plus 30-60 lunches daily – with 80 lunches on a record-setting day. Piddington said the lunch figures are “significantly higher” than in previous summers.
Piddington said parents have shared feedback with Nutrition Services staff throughout the summer: “They’ve said, ‘we're so glad you're here’ and ‘thanks for doing this.’”
Piddington said parents have shared appreciation for serving fresh fruits and vegetables as well as other healthy meal options, while juice boxes have been a favorite among students. Another popular part of the program has been frequent visits from Middleton Public Library's bookmobile, which gives students the opportunity to take home free books.
In addition to the program at Middleton High School, free summer meals are available to students attending the Summer Academy, the summer school program for grades K-8 at Kromrey Middle School.
The summer meals program is funded through reimbursement from the state of Wisconsin, and it’s available to MCPASD students as well as community members under 18 years of age. It runs Mondays through Thursdays through July 31.