Local school districts will be offering free lunch programs this summer to area youth.

Buchanan Community Schools’ program begins today and runs through Sept. 4.

It will take place from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday in the Buchanan High School cafeteria.

Lunch is free for anyone 18 years of age or younger and $3.50 for adults. The school will also offer a free snack for kids from 3:30 to 4 p.m.

Buchanan’s food service director said anyone can take advantage of the federally-funded summer food program.

“It is open for anyone,” said Susan Hendershott.

Buchanan is also sponsoring a summer food program in Niles at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, which is located at 601 Ferry St. Only lunch will be offered there.

Brandywine will also offer a summer food program this year.

Their program runs from July 6 to Aug. 27. It will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday at Brandywine Middle/Senior High School.

The meal is available to anyone 18 years of age or younger and for people up to age 26 who are enrolled in educational programs for the mentally or physically disabled.

Brandywine’s program is also open to any area youth — not just Brandywine district children.

Brandywine’s food service director said they served an average of 100 kids a day during last year’s summer food program.

“We have so many children in our area that go without meals so I feel it is very important to get the nutrition and those meals out to kids,” said Many Seggerman.

Dowagiac Union Schools will offer its lunch program anyone 18 years of age or younger and for people up to age 26 who are enrolled in educational programs for the mentally or physically disabled.

It will take place from June 15 to Aug. 28 at the following times and locations:

• 11-11:30 a.m. — Twin Lakes Park, Lakeshore Rd.

• 11:30-noon — Rotary Park, Riverside Dr.

• Noon to 12:30 p.m. — HS Auto Shop, 701 N. Lowe St.

• Noon to 12:30 p.m. — Water Tower Park, Helena St.

• 12:30 to 1 p.m. — ACTION Pantry, 301 Main St.

• 12:30 to 1 p.m. — Eagle’s Wood Apartments, 29509 Amerihost, Dr.

• 1 to 1:30 p.m. — Walter Ward Park, 309 Thickstun

Children do not need to bring identification to receive the lunches at any summer lunch program.

Niles Community Schools is also offering a summer food program, but details weren’t available by press time.

The Niles Daily Star will print that information in the near future.