Youngsters in Dowagiac will have the opportunity to eat for free five days a week during their break as Dowagiac Union Schools sponsors the free summer lunch program again this year beginning June 13.

Children 18 years or younger, and people up to age 26 who are enrolled in an educational program for the mentally or physically disabled are eligible for the program.

This year is the third year for the mobile food truck. Last year, 50 more lunches a day than the year before were served from the truck.

Deb Cahill, food services director with Sodexo, said she is not sure how many children to expect this year but says the food truck will be stocked with as many lunches as it had last year.

“[Last year was] excellent. I’m hoping the word continues to get out and that we can do extra lunches again this year,” Cahill said.

The program now offers both breakfast and lunch for the summer school program as well as for the band camp at the middle school.

The program also provides lunches for the football team when they have their two-a-day practices.

“There are so many children that do not have the ability to eat during the summer. There’s no food in the house and they don’t know where to go. This is an opportunity for children to get a couple meals,” Cahill said when asked why this program is important for the children.

The program is staffed by a couple of members, depending on the week and school. Sometimes there is a person to make the lunches at the school while other times the lunches are made and put on the truck to go to the school.

“Just knowing that Dowagiac is supporting the children in the summer [is my favorite part],” Cahill said. “The school system that we sponsor makes sure the children eat, and it’s great for the community.”