Summer meals may be offered in Lakeland

RATHDRUM - Lakeland Joint School District students in need could be offered free breakfast and lunch this summer for the first time.

During its meeting on Monday at 6 p.m. at the district office, 15506 N. Washington, Rathdrum, the school board will discuss the possibility of offering the program. A decision would likely be made April 14.

Tom Taggart, the district's finance director, said some families in the community have requested a summer meals program for years and now the numbers seem to warrant one.

The district started a summer child care program at Garwood Elementary last year and expanded that to five of the district's six elementary schools this year.

"That was the catalyst (for considering a summer meals program)," Taggart said.

"We've been asked why we haven't had a program, but we just didn't feel it was the right time. We think it may work now and be a benefit for the community."

The proposal for the federally funded meals program is to serve breakfast and lunch during weekdays at Lakeland Junior High. That school is proposed because it's centrally located and close to John Brown Elementary, where a child care program is offered, Taggart said. It would also be convenient for high school students taking summer classes at Lakeland High across Highway 41.

The meals would be free to students and there would be a small cost to be determined to others.

"The program is designed to help families with low incomes," Taggart said.

Such programs have a no-questions-asked policy.

Fifty-three percent of the students districtwide qualify for free or reduced-cost meals, Taggart said.

Taggart said the district may consider starting a summer meal location in Spirit Lake in the future, but he's recommending starting with one in Rathdrum to get any kinks worked out.

Chartwells, which Lakeland contracts with to prepare student meals during the school year, would make the meals at its Rathdrum facility and transport them to the junior high.

Taggart said if the board moves ahead with applying for the program, the district will reach out to the community with an information campaign.

Summer meals have been offered in the Coeur d'Alene and Post Falls school districts for several years.