Submitted photo

Barbara Cannady for Burns Times-Herald

“Lunch in the Park” is funded by the Department of Education. The program is now available throughout Oregon.

Channon Rebeiro has been feeding children for over twenty years, and she remembers names. With the mission of getting families to spend time together, she’s the Program Manager for the “Free Summer Lunch Program,” more formally known as “Lunch in the Park.”  Parents are encouraged to bring their own lunches and supervise their child’s playground activities, as well as break for meal conversations.    

Ages from one to eighteen are served a rotating lunch menu consisting of grain (sandwich choices), protein, fruit, veggies and milk. There is no restriction as to residence or school district. All children are welcome to participate. There is no sign-up, paperwork or cost. Just show up!  

Rules include that the food must be eaten at the park or designated indoor facility (Geno’s Gym and summer school). Veggies are reportedly the most returned if the child does not want to eat or waste.  How normal is that?

Tuesday or Thursday, Channon is joined by Isabell Fleuraud, Library Youth Services Coordinator, who brings age appropriate books. These books often include coloring or crafts, and promote the Harney County Library Summer Reading program. All books are FREE and include offerings for pre-kindergarten through middle high school.

Starting the first week after school is out for summer break, Channon uses a van to deliver sack lunches to the locations Monday-Thursday weekly, through July. Her daily route starts in front of Slater Elementary with stops at Triangle Park, Washington Park, Hines Park, and the Swimming Pool. 

For more information call 211 for an operator to help you find a meal site nearby or text food” or “comida” to the number 304-304 to be sent a list of sites nearby.