Children who rely on meals served at school typically have to go without during the summer months, unless their school system participates in the federally funded summer feeding program.

The Picayune School District provides that option. It has participated in the USDA Food and Nutrition Services funded program for the past several years.

The program allows children within the Picayune area an opportunity to receive a hot meal when school is not in regular session.

Children from 1 to 18-years-old can receive a free meal as part of this program. Adult meals can be purchased for $3.50 each day.

Picayune School District Food Services Director Debbie Byrd said the program will be offered this year starting June 4 and will last until July 13. Lunches will not be offered on July 4, due to the national holiday, Byrd said.

Lunches will be served each weekday during that period at the South Side Elementary cafeteria from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.

Students living in the Nicholson area who need a ride will need to turn in a bus card by the end of the year. Byrd said students will receive those cards for parents to fill out before the end of the year.

Bus drivers will then know which children will need a ride to receive their lunch.

Byrd said the program is also open to any churches holding Vacation Bible Schools during the summer. If a church group would like to participate, they will need to contact Byrd at 601-798-6711 by May 15 to register.

Last year, the program provided 11,000 meals to students in the area.