Several Springfield schools are offering through the summer free breakfast and lunch to children 18 years old or younger.

The program is a partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which reimburses the district for every free summer meal served. It is designed to ensure that children, some of whom might not have access to nutritious meals outside of school, receive a balanced meal even when school isn’t in session.

The USDA says that continuing nutrition throughout the summer allows children to achieve at a higher level when school resumes in the fall.

“Any child who walks in the door … we offer them a meal,” says Jan Miller, District 186 food service director. So far this year, the district has served about 800 breakfasts and 1,200 free lunches each day, Miller says.

For a charge, adults may also eat summer meals at the schools.

The program continues at Lindsay Elementary and Ridgely Elementary through July 12; Springfield High School through July 30; Iles Elementary through Aug. 6; and Wilcox Elementary, Dubois Elementary and Sandburg Elementary through Aug. 13.

Serving times vary from school to school.

For more information, call 525-3046.