BOZEMAN, MT — In its continuing effort to combat food insecurity across our community, HRDC will again provide free, freshly made, nutritious meals to children 18 and under throughout the summers months at numerous locations in Bozeman and Big Sky beginning on Monday, June 13th.

HRDC’s Kids Summer Lunch Program is provided in supervised locations where kids can stay active and spend time with friends while enjoying a delicious lunch. The meals are tasty, are crafted from scratch with local ingredients whenever possible, follow USDA nutrition guidelines, and help all families save money. There is not an application process, and the program does not require proof of income.

Bozeman locations include:

Those seeking the closest meal site in the Bozeman area can text “LUNCH” or “COMIDA” to 304-304.

Summer lunch serving areas beyond Bozeman include:

Food insecurity is an income issue, and poverty is one of the strongest predictors of food insecurity. 1 in 7 Gallatin County residents live below the federal poverty level. The USDA estimates that until a family’s income is 185% above the poverty line, they are at risk of experiencing food insecurity. Last year, HRDC’s Kids Summer Lunch Program served 31,848 meals. On average, more of each household’s income in Gallatin County is going toward increased housing costs this year. HRDC’s Gallatin Valley Food Bank, the entity that oversees the Kids Summer Lunch Program, is expecting an increase in demand for summer lunches as a result of the higher cost of living that is impacting our community.

“In addition to paying higher rents and higher prices for gas and other commodities, households are experiencing a dramatic increase in food costs as well,” said Lyra Leigh-Nedbor, HRDC’s Child Nutrition Program Coordinator. “It’s no wonder it has become increasingly difficult to make ends meet. Our Kid’s Summer Lunch Program is a simple way families can substantially save on their monthly food budget. Not only do kids get a great lunch and an opportunity to hang out with friends, parents enjoy a stress-free way to provide nourishing meals while making a dent in their monthly grocery bills. It’s a win-win all the way around!”

HRDC is a private, not-for-profit Community Action Organization focused on building a better community through its nearly 50 initiatives aimed at combatting poverty in southwestern Montana. HRDC’s Gallatin Valley Food Bank believes nobody should go to bed hungry and they work hard to act as the critical link between food and the people who need it, including providing nutritionally balanced lunches for kids throughout the summer months.

More information about HRDC’s Kid’s Summer Lunch Program can be found at https://gallatinvalleyfoodbank.org/get-help/summer-meals/

Donors, volunteers, and community members can learn more at https://thehrdc.org/