Putnam County Schools Offering Free Meals

Putnam County School Food Services is offering free meals to area students through July 20.

Food Service Program Supervisor Kathlyn Walter said the program allows the district to reach out to students who may be in need.

“We know there is need in our community and those in need are typically difficult to reach,” Walter said. “They might be at home or in their housing communities… so it’s really rewarding to be able to [reach] out.”

Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks will be available through the program to students ages 18 years or younger.

Walter said the program is reimbursed through the USDA and funded by students in the school’s primary lunch program.

Six buses will distribute food Monday through Friday in the area to local students. Buses will stop at a variety of locations, including Cookeville, Monterey, Baxter, Jackson County, and more.

Food will also be dropped off at locations like the YMCA and vacation Bible school programs.

“It’s just grown over the years because we do know there is a need in the community,” Walter said, “but also there are kids getting together and enjoying enrichment programs that are widely available.”

Walter said time spent at each location may vary based on demand and traffic. Times vary by location, ranging from 10 minutes to over an hour between 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

“Hopefully we try to stay on schedule,” Walter said, “but please be understanding and patient if we’re a little late with our buses.”

Hot and cold meals will be available through the program. Walter said although their main priority is area students, special needs families and the elderly are also served trough the program.

Stops include Jere Whitson, Dogwood, Cinderella, Cane Creek, and Cummins Falls State Parks, among others.

Questions about the program can be directed to Field Supervisor Lynette Ellis at (931) 528-1847.