Food Service Programs

FOOD SERVICE PROGRAMS BY: ABBY LYNES

Having regular access to enough affordable, nutritious food is a real issue for some children in the Gallatin Valley. To address this need, HRDC has a summer lunch pro gram available to kids and teens 18 and under. Throughout the entire summer, a free, healthy meal will be available from either 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. at

meal sites across the entire Gallatin Valley in Bozeman, Belgrade and Three Forks. No application or proof of income necessary.

Last year’s menu included food like Sloppy Joes, bean burritos and noodles with meat sauce. “We partner with Gallatin Valley Farm to School, the Fire Department and the police department to put on activities (during lunch)” said Lyra Leigh-Nedbor, HRDC’s Childhood Nutrition Program Coordinator. “We’ve had a lot of expan sion.” Lunches have been served at the Boz eman Public Library, Beall Park and Kirk Park, to name a few locations. A site list will be available on the Gallatin Valley Food Bank’s website (gallatinvalleyfood bank.org/get-help/summer-meals/) or you can text “food” to 877 877. You will be prompted to text your address and will receive a text including the nearest location serving a free lunch.