HARRISBURG UNIT DIST. 3: School board renews the free lunch program

HARRISBURG - Harrisburg Unit 3 School District board members voted to renew the district's free lunch program for all students at its most recent meeting.

The program began this school year and provides lunch for free to all students in the district.

When the program started, district Superintendent Mike Gauch said it was a small way for the district to provide a benefit to all families with students at Harrisburg schools. However, he said there was no guarantee the free lunch program would continue beyond the first year.

"I'm very excited that this has proven to be a program that we are able to continue," Gauch said. "It's so beneficial for families and children of our community."

The program has its roots in Harrisburg's summer lunch program, which has provided free lunches to those 18 and under and low-priced lunches to those over age 18 for the past several years.

Board members say they are pleased to be able to continue the program. One board member, Jonathan Russell, said it is a help to all families in the district.

"I am thrilled we are in a position to do this again," Russell said. "It is a financial relief to those families who are struggling but didn't qualify for free or reduced lunches."

The program doesn't benefit only students, he said.

"This tells our staff, who also get free lunches now, that we appreciate their services," Russell said.

He also said by eliminating the cost of lunch, there is less of a social stigma for students who would have had reduced or free lunches.

"At the high school, students who previously received free or reduced lunches don't feel singled out, which helps build unity," Russell said.