MARSHALL — Students will have access to free breakfasts and lunches throughout the summer at Southview Elementary beginning on Monday, as Marshall Public Schools is continuing to participate in the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP).

The SFSP is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and is administered by the Minnesota Department of Education Food and Nutrition Service.

Meals are provided to students free of charge, and will be available in two sessions throughout June and July for both summer school students and community members that are 1 to 18 years old.

For summer school students, breakfast will be available June 9 to June 26th, Monday to Thursdays, from 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. Lunch will be from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The second session of meals are available July 7 to July 24, Monday to Thursday, with the same breakfast and lunch times.

Meals are open to community teenagers on the same dates, but breakfast will be open 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., with lunch 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.

There will be no meals or classes on Thursday, June 19.

Provided meals will continue to meet nutritional standards by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and there is no registration required.

According to the MDE, the SFSP’s mission is to ensure “children receive free, nutritious meals increasing their capacity to learn and reducing summer weight gain. Additionally, families can stretch their budgets further. SFSP sites can provide these benefits while receiving reimbursements for meals served.”

Marshall has participated in the summer meals program for several years throughout the district. The sites where meals are held depend on where summer school is located.

Those visiting Southview for a meal are asked to enter through the main entrance.