Buhler USD 313 will again offer free summer meals for children this year, while expanding the program with an additional location in Hutchinson.
USD 313 Superintendent Cindy Couchman said the district’s food service director, Robin McGlynn, secured approval for a second summer meal site at Union Valley Elementary.
“We've been doing the Buhler High School site for a few years, but this year we're gonna have two sites, one in Hutchinson and one in Buhler,” Couchman said. “The Union Valley site is now going to be serving meals this year.”
The Buhler USD 313 Summer Meal Program begins May 26 and runs through July 30. Meals are available to any child ages 1 through 18, regardless of what school district they attend.
“It does not matter what school district you go to,” Couchman said. “You can utilize the community eligibility program in our communities.”
Meals will be served from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at Buhler High School, 611 N. Main in Buhler, and at Union Valley Elementary, 2501 E. 30th in Hutchinson.
According to the district, the program provides a drive-through hot lunch along with breakfast for the following morning. No application or proof of income is required, although families may only visit one site per day.
Couchman said the district’s program stands out because students receive a full hot meal instead of a simple grab-and-go option.
“Our program, I can speak to ours, is a hot lunch, which is somewhat unique, and it's very good,” Couchman said. “It's not a sandwich or anything. It's really good. And then they have a breakfast the next morning.”
Children must be present the first time meals are picked up. Families will then receive a number card that can be shown during future visits, allowing meal pickup without children being present. Children may also walk or ride up on their own to receive meals.