The Trenton R-IX School District will offer free breakfasts and lunches this summer at S.M. Rissler Elementary School through an existing federal child nutrition program.

Meals will be available May 20 through June 24. The program will be closed May 25 and June 19. Breakfast will be served from 7:30 to 8 a.m. and lunch will be served from 10:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The free meals are available to anyone age 18 and younger. Disabled adults over 18 also may eat for free if they were enrolled in school during the regular school year.

Daniel Gott, Trenton R-IX superintendent, said the meals are offered through the Seamless Summer Option, which allows school districts to provide free breakfast and lunch during summer school to children age 18 and younger who live in the district.

Gott said the program is not new to Trenton and has been available to school districts for many years. The program has been used locally to help support children who may need it during the summer months when school is out.

The meals are available at no charge, even for students who are not attending summer school. Gott said the program helps remove cost as a barrier for families and ensures students have access to reliable meals during the day.

According to educator’s, when children have better access to nutrition and meals, focus, behavior and learning improve. Gott said the summer program also helps families by reducing grocery and meal expenses while school is out.

Funding for the meals comes through an existing federal child nutrition program, including USDA school nutrition funding and summer meal reimbursement.

Gott said he expects Trenton schools to continue offering free summer meals in future years as long as the program remains available and the district continues to meet participation requirements.