Burke County Public Schools and Chartwells K12 will provide free summer meals for children across the community this summer.

Beginning Monday, June 8, the BCPS Summer Meals program will offer free lunch Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the cafeterias of Hildebran, Mountain View, Valdese and W.A. Young elementary schools through Friday, June 19.

Starting Monday, June 22, lunch service will continue at Mountain View and Valdese elementary schools only, operating Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Meal options will include favorites such as chicken nuggets, sandwiches, cheese pizza and more, along with fresh fruits and vegetables. Children must be present to receive cafeteria meals, and meals are not available for takeout.

Families will also have the option to pick up weekly meal bundles beginning Wednesday, June 10. Each bundle will include seven breakfasts and seven lunches for every child in the household ages 18 and under. Meal bundles can be picked up each Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at East Burke High School and Table Rock Middle School. Children do not need to be present for pickup, and no registration is required.

Later this summer, BCPS’s M.E.A.L. Mobile food truck will begin serving free lunches throughout the community Monday through Thursday beginning July 6. Planned stops include Hillcrest Elementary and Martha’s Park, with additional schedule details to be announced.

Superintendent Dr. Mike Swan said the district is committed to helping families stay supported while school is out for the summer.

“This summer, we’re proud to offer flexible meal options that make it a little easier for families to keep kids fed while school is out,” Swan said. “Providing free, nutritious meals during the summer helps us continue supporting our students beyond the classroom by easing stress for families and staying connected with our students all year long.”

The BCPS Summer Meals program will continue through Thursday, Aug. 13. All locations will be closed June 29 through July 3 in observance of the Fourth of July holiday.

Any child age 18 and under is eligible to receive free meals through the program, regardless of whether they attend Burke County Public Schools.

For more information about the BCPS Summer Meals program, families can visit the BCPS website or contact the Burke County Public Schools Child Nutrition Department at 828-439-4318.