The Albert Lea School District again will sponsor a summer meals program for all children 18 and younger.

Funding for the program is provided by the federal government, and this is the second year the meals have been offered. Food Service Director Mary Nelson said one change will be the location.

“We did it at the high school last year because of renovations, but this year it will be at Hawthorne and Halverson,” Nelson said.

The summer meal program starts July 15 and ends Aug. 8; meals are free to children under age 18 Mondays through Thursdays.

At Halverson, from July 15 to Aug. 8 a lunch will be served from 11 to 11:45 a.m. Mondays through Thursdays.

At Hawthorne, from July 15 to Aug. 8 a breakfast will be served from 7:45 to 8:15 a.m. and a lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to noon Mondays through Thursdays.

“Anyone 18 and under can come, they don’t even have to reside in Albert Lea,” Nelson said.

Nelson also said the Minnesota Department of Education encourages school districts and community organizations to provide the free meals. The meal program last year had good attendance at one school because it coincided with a summer program. Nelson is hoping children take advantage of the meals at both schools this summer.

“It’s there and we’re going to be there so we’d like people to come and eat,” Nelson said.

Menus will be made public closer to the date of the program, and Nelson said the public can find them in the Freeborn County Shopper or by listening to KATE Radio.