Children ages 18 and younger can eat breakfast, lunch for free this summer in five Missoula schools

Five public schools in Missoula will offer free breakfasts and lunches to children age 18 and younger from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday, beginning June 11 and continuing through August 17.

The program is designed to provide nutritious meals to children who may not have access to quality meals at home during the summer. It is a wonderful option for families who may be struggling economically or with challenging work schedules. Children and/or their parents are not asked to show any identification or documentation to receive a free meal, and they do not have to complete any paperwork. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Breakfast will be served in two elementary schools, Hawthorne and Russell, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., and lunch will be served in five elementary schools, including Hawthorne, Russell, Franklin, Lowell and Chief Charlo, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Here are the locations of the schools:

* Franklin School, 1901 S. 10th W. (serving lunch)

* Hawthorne School, 2835 S. 3rd W. (serving breakfast and lunch)

* Lowell School, 1200 Sherwood St. (serving lunch)

* Russell School, 3216 Russell St. (serving breakfast and lunch)

* Chief Charlo Elementary, 5600 Longview Dr. (serving lunch)

Please note there are no lunches served on July 4. For additional information on the Summer Meal Program, contact Stacey Rossmiller at 728-2400, ext. 3051 or Edward Christensen at 728-2400, ext. 5012.