Seven locations in New Madrid County to serve free meals to low income children

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services offers an online map that can help low-income families in Missouri find out where their children can receive free meals this summer.

These meals will be provided through the state health department's Summer Food Service Program.

The seven locations include: Howardville Apts, 49 West Laura St, Howardville;

Lilbourn City Park, 7th Street and Charlotte, Lilbourn; Lilbourn Garden Apts, Blades Drive, Lilbourn;

NMCC, 310 US Hwy 61, New Madrid;

New Madrid City Park, Mill Street and Davis Street, New Madrid;

New Madrid Garden Apts, One Blades Drive, New Madrid;

St. Anne Street Park, St. Anne and St. Bridgett, New Madrid.

Community organizations serve the meals at schools, churches, parks, swimming pools, YMCA facilities, Boys and Girls Clubs and other spots where children gather when school is not in session.

The meals are provided to children who receive free or reduced price meals during the regular school year. Children do not have to register and there is no fee to participate in the program.

"When school is out for the summer, children who receive meals at school are at risk of not getting the nutrition they need," said Gail Vasterling, director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. "This map makes it easier for families to find out where their children can receive nutritious meals during the summer months. We know good nutrition is essential for effective learning all year long."

Meals will be served to children age 18 and under. They are also provided to individuals' age 18 to 21 that have been determined by a state or local educational agency to be mentally or physically disabled and who participate in an established school program for the mentally or physically disabled.

Funding for the Summer Food Service Program is provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.