NewsLocal NewsFlathead County

Actions

Kalispell schools offer free lunch program during school closure

Free Lunch.png
Posted at 9:20 PM, Mar 17, 2020
and last updated 2020-03-18 09:07:49-04

KALISPELL — Kalispell Public School officials are also implementing plans to help students while they are shut down by using drive-thru locations where students have access to a healthy lunch.

Kalispell public schools are closed through March 27 following Governor Steve Bullock’s direction to close all schools in Montana due to coronavirus concerns. But, food service officials are now working hard to ensure all students continue to have access to free breakfast and lunch programs.

In the spirit of social distancing, Kalispell Public Schools are offering seven drive-thru service locations, including one at each elementary school in Kalispell. Free lunches are available starting Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Kalispell Schools Food Service Director Jana Graham said local programs have teamed with school officials to ensure healthy meals.

“The Food Bank is working with us, the Heart Locker is working with us, so we’re going to be sure and have everybody taken care of and serving good healthy food,” said Graham.

She added that the service will not be available during next week’s planned spring break. But Graham said the free drive-thru lunch program will remain in service following spring break, if schools remain closed.

“Yeah, we will continue to offer this service for anybody who needs it, any kids under 18 are eligible for a free lunch,” said Graham.

Here is a list of drive-thru lunch locations offered by Kalispell School District:

  • Central Kitchen, 233 1st Ave E, North Side of the Building
  • Edgerton, 1400 Whitefish Stage Road, Main Entrance
  • Elrod, 412 Third Avenue West, South Side of Building - 5th Street
  • Hedges, 827 4th Avenue East, Main Entrance
  • Peterson,1119 Second Street West, Student Drop Off Area
  • Rankin, 2155 Airport Road, Main Entrance
  • Russell, 227 West Nevada Street, East Kitchen Entrance