OLATHE, Kan. — For some families who rely on free and reduced lunch during the school year, summer months can be difficult.
That's why the Olathe Public Library is stepping in to fill that void.
The downtown library is partnering with Harvesters to provide free meals for children 18 and under.
Whitney Horn with the Olathe Public Library said the program has been going on for a couple years now and the need has been consistent.
"It is really nice to see that people kind of grow out of exactly needing the program, but they still come back just because they formed a connection with the staff members and the volunteers that run the program," Horn said. " And it becomes a habit even if they don't really need it and we welcome [them]."
Horn said there aren't specific forms children need to have to qualify. The meals are for anyone 18 years old and under.
Gina Lesslie said it's a great helping hand during summer months.
"You're either managing, trying to figure out how to pay rent, trying to feed yourself and your kids," Lesslie said. "You know, everyone wants to feed their kids first. And so it gets the gamble of how on earth are you going to juggle it all."
Meals are served Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 201 E. Park St.
On Fridays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the library holds community lunches, where all ages are invited to attend and grab a free meal.
The free lunch program runs through August 14.
For a list of summer lunch programs on the Missouri side, click here.
For more options on the Kansas side, click here.
