Bend-La Pine free summer lunch, reading program begins soon

Students of all ages are invited to attend Bend-La Pine Schools Summer Meals and Summer Reading Program, which kicks off Monday, June 20 in the Bend area and Monday, June 27 in La Pine.

Children age 0-18 will receive free, tasty meals at 12 locations throughout the area. Five sites will also host Lunch & Learn, a free summer reading program led by professional educators and supplemented by dozens of volunteers. Students can earn free books and other rewards as they continue to develop literacy skills.

Last year, students read nearly 16,000 books and earned more than 2,600 free books through this program.

Approximately 55,000 meals are expected to be served through our free summer meals program this year. The program, which is funded through the United States Department of Agriculture, includes lunches of a hot entre or sandwich, fruit, vegetable, low fat milk and an occasional dessert. Parents are encouraged to attend and may purchase a meal for $4 or can bring their own lunch. Registration is not required.

The meal program will take place at the following times and locations:

BEND locations are open Monday, June 20 to Friday, Aug. 19 (closed July 4) unless otherwise noted:

Boys & Girls Club — Downtown

520 NW Wall St.

11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. (open through Aug. 26)

Snack is served 3:30 to 4 p.m.

Boys & Girls Club — St. Francis

2450 NE 27 th St.

11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. (open through Aug. 26)

Snack is served 3:30 to 4 p.m.

Camp Tamarack

29551 2066 Sisters (near Suttle Lake)

Noon to 1 p.m. (open July 3 to Aug. 26)

Breakfast is served 7:30 to 8:30 a.m.

Elk Meadow Elementary School

60880 Brookswood Blvd.

11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Breakfast is served 8:30 to 9 a.m. Aug. 1-18 (Monday to Thursday)

Lunch & Learn reading program site from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 27 to Aug. 5

Ensworth Elementary School

2150 NE Daggett Lane

11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Lunch & Learn reading program site from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 27 to Aug. 5

Harmon Park

1100 NW Harmon Road

Noon to 1 p.m.

Larkspur Park

1700 SE Reed Market Road

11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Orchard Park

2001 NE Sixth St.

11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Lunch & Learn reading program site from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 27 to Aug. 5

Pilot Butte Neighborhood Park

1310 NE Highway 20 (at Pilot Butte State Park)

11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Lunch & Learn reading program site from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 27 to Aug. 5

Sun Meadow Park

61150 Dayspring Drive, near RE Jewell Elementary School

11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

LA PINE Locations are open weekdays Monday, June 27 to Aug. 5 (closed July 3).

Finley Butte Park

51530 Walling Lane

11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Lunch & Learn reading program site from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 27 to Aug. 5

La Pine Community Center

10405 First St.

Noon to 12:45 p.m. (Tuesdays only)

Breakfast 7:30 to 8 a.m.

USDA and Bend-La Pine Schools are equal opportunity providers and employers. For more information about the meal programs call 541-355-3740.