Free summer breakfast and lunch program for children in Libby, Troy

The Summer Food Service Program helps families who rely on schools meals to make ends meet by providing free, nutritious meals throughout the summer to children 18 and under, according to a statement released June 29. The program is a USDA nutrition program and is administered by Montana’s Office of Public Instruction.

“There is no requirement for identification or paperwork, children can simply show up and eat,” the statement says. Program sites serve up to two meals and a snack each day.

The locations and times of Libby and Troy program sites are:

Asa Wood Lunchroom, 700 Idaho Ave., Libby, June 12 — July 27, 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 11:30 p.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday

McGrade Center Gym, 933 Farm to Market Rd., Libby, June 26 — July 27, 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. (lunch only), Monday through Thursday

Christ Lutheran Church VBS, 200 West Larch St., Libby, July 24 — July 27, 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and noon to 12:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

Troy Community Baptist Church, 725 E. Missoula Ave. Troy, June 12 — August 18, 11 a.m. — noon and 2 p.m. — 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.

In 2016, 224 program sites in Montana served more than 630,000 meals between June and August. Yet organizers say the program is underused — fewer than 25 percent of students who regularly rely on free or reduced price school lunch participated in the program in 2016.