BIDDEFORD — Beginning June 24 and running through Aug. 16, the Biddeford School Nutrition Department, along with funds from the USDA Summer Food Service Program, will be offering a summer meal program during the week open to everyone in the community.

The meals will be free for children 18 and younger and only $3 for adults. Breakfast and lunch must be consumed while at the various community locations and will consist of a protein, whole grain bread or pasta, vegetable, fruit and milk.

In 2018, the SFSP provided more than 1.5 million nutritious meals and snacks to children during the summer when school was not in session.

USDA reports an average of only 14 percent of families take advantage of the summer meal program due to insufficient awareness of the programs.

The School Department wants to provide an inexpensive alternative for families and ensure youth are provided with nutritious meals and snacks when school is not in session.

Meals will be available from June 24 to Aug. 16 at the following locations and times:

• John F. Kennedy Kindergarten Center, 64 West St., Biddeford, Breakfast 8 to 8:30 a.m. and Lunch 11:30 a.m. to noon.

• Biddeford Middle School, 25 Tiger Way, Biddeford, Breakfast 8 to 8:30 a.m. and Lunch 11 a.m. to noon.

• McArthur Public Library, 270 Main St., Biddeford, Lunch only 11:30 a.m. to noon.

• Community Bicycle Center, 45 Granite St. Biddeford, Lunch only, 12:15 to 12:45 p.m.

“We encourage youth, families, seniors and the community-at-large to visit a site and enjoy a well-balanced, healthy meal,” said Biddeford School Department’s Nutrition Director Sandy Lewis.  “Please help us spread the word by sharing this information with others — by word of mouth or via social media — so we can ensure food insecurity during the summer months is not a concern in this community.”

For more information, call 391-6899.