Beth MacKenna, head of Nutrition Services, says students and others are eligible to eat lunch and breakfast at Rock Island High School. The district began the weekday meal service on Thursday, and it will continue until June 29th.
A second program -- run by the Two Rivers YMCA -- will begin on June 13th at nine elementary schools in Rock Island, Monday through Thursday until July 14th. Meals are open to all students 18-years-old and younger.
This summer, MacKenna is trying to hire 20 employees to work during the school year. Rock Island students tell her they really miss eating mashed potatoes with their lunches. That's because of problems with the supply chain.
There are no income or location requirements for free the meals.
At Rocky (the high school), breakfast is served starting at 7:30 am. And lunch starts at 11:15 am.
One week from today (June 13th) at nine Rock Island elementary schools, breakfast will be at 9:00 am with lunch at 11:45 am.