News : Breakfast, lunch continue at Tilford, Shellsburg; transportation available

VS families are offered free breakfast and lunch at Tilford, Shellsburg elementaries.

The Tilford cafeteria was bustling this morning, as Summer School participants gathered for breakfast before leaving on a field trip to the Children's Museum in Iowa City.

While many of the summer school students have breakfast and/or lunch at school, very few others have participated in the free program.

To help busy parents, and those who may be struggling with food security, the Vinton-Shellsburg School District is offering a new, free summer breakfast and lunch program.

Anyone age 18 or younger is invited; no registration or ID is required.

The program began June 6 and ends July 29.

Serving will take place Mondays through Fridays at Tilford Elementary in Vinton and Mondays through Thursdays at Shellsburg Elementary.

Serving hours are: 8 to 8:30 a.m. for breakfast and 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. for lunch.

The school is offering transportation to families who need help getting their children to the school buidings for meals.

"We are able to do this through a partnership with the Vinton Area Ministerial Association, Oak Grove Church, Happy Time Daycare, Creative Kids Daycare and our district staff," says Superindent Mary Jo Hainstock. "It has taken a tremendous amount of coordination and planning but we are excited to know we will be able to serve many at the two sites. ALL youth are welcome to participate at either of the sites."

The meals are part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and National Dairy Council Fuel Up for Summer Fun program, which offers meals in many districts throughout the U.S.

For more information, contact Karen Ackman at karen.ackman@vscsd.org