Feeding the kids over summer

Even in a relatively affluent area like Shoreline and Lake Forest Park, there are families in deep poverty. The current term is "food insecurity". It means that the family does not have enough to eat and they and their children are going hungry.

It has taken decades to recognize the problem and get resources in place. Most of the formal feeding programs in the area are focused on the children, who are fed twice a day at school while school is in session. Most, if not all of the schools have volunteer organizations providing backpacks of food for the kids to take home over the weekend.

During summer, different programs take over. Here are two of them.

Ronald United Methodist Church

Shoreline Schools

With summer right around the corner, it is time to think about keeping children healthy while school is out. Shoreline Schools will be offering free meals to children 18 years or younger.

This summer, meals will be served at Meridian Park Elementary, 17077 Meridian Ave. N, and Shorecrest High School, 15343 25th Ave. NE, Monday through Friday, from July 10 - August 4. Lunch will be served from 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM at Meridian Park and 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM at Shorecrest.

There are no income requirements or registration. Anyone age 18 or younger will be served. For more information, contact the Food and Nutrition Services office at 206-393-4209.

Each year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture partners with local organizations like Shoreline Schools to provide free meals to children when school is out for the summer.