The Picayune School District is currently offering free meals to children this summer. Several parents are taking advantage of the opportunity, including Ramonda Jackson, who brought her children and nephews to eat lunch at Southside Elementary’s cafeteria on Friday.

“I bring them to eat lunch here everyday,” Jackson said.

The district’s summer food service program began June 1 and will run until July 17 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on weekdays, said Janetta Washington, cafeteria manager.

With only a week left, Washington encourages parents to bring their children to get free, hot meals.

“I think this program is wonderful for children and I hope more participate in the next couple of days. More parents need to bring their children so they can get free meals,” Washington said.

The Picayune School District has been offering the summer food service program for the past 13 years in partnership with the USDA Food and Nutrition Services, according to previous Item coverage.

Children younger than 18 are eligible for the program no matter where they live. Parents are encouraged to bring their own lunch or pay $3.25 for cafeteria food, Washington said.

Last summer, the district served more than 10,000 meals through the program, according to previous Item coverage.

The USDA plans to serve more than 200 million free meals nationwide this summer, according to the USDA’s website.

The Pearl River County School District also participated in the program, which ended June 26.

Southside Elementary is located at 1500 Rosa St., Picayune. For more information, contact school staff at (601) 798-1105.