Summer reading and lunch program kicks off in Superior

Eva Horning Park in Superior has great family attractions with the playground, skate park, picnic tables with plenty of green space to burn off energy for kids. And during the summer it naturally becomes busier, especially with two programs that make the manicured property even more enjoyable.

“Superior has been doing the summer Lunch in the Park for probably close to 15 years now,” said Dawn Bauer, Superior Elementary School Administrative Assistant. “It's coordinated through the HRC (Human Resource Council) and SSD3 (Superior School District 3) that provides their staff to make and deliver the meals.  All payroll and supplies are paid through the HRC,” she explained. 

No matter where they live, children up to 18 years old are welcome to have lunch Monday through Thursday between 11:30 a.m. and 1.p.m. This is provided free of charge and the kids do not have to be attending summer school programs. 

“We've even had kids who are traveling through stop by for a meal.  Others are kids who are visiting their relatives in town for the summer and stop by for lunch,” Bauer said. 

HRC picks up the tab and Bauer said it’s the team in the kitchen that is the driving force that makes this happen.  

“Chandra Plakke heads up the food service program and Cassidy Goins will take the lead this year as our food preparer and will deliver the meals to the park. They staff the summer lunch program, plan the menus and keep the cooler full of the fresh stuff all summer long.  Lots of planning goes into the program, for sure.” 

Back at the school, Bauer has a food pantry she maintains year-round for students.

“I'm also making available additional food items for kids over the summer.  They are called SunMeals and since Superior is a CEP school (Community Eligibility Provision), most parents qualify for that summer grocery help.  The SunMeals will be made available on Thursdays at the Lunch in the Park, so kids who are needing additional resources at home for the weekends can take a box home,” she said. 

Each SunBox contains enough food for four entire meals, however weekly supplies are limited.  

“These are supplied to me through MFBN (Montana Food Bank Network), whom I work closely with for our BackPack and school pantry program, that we have access to during the school year.” 

The Mineral County Library Summer Reading Kick-Off takes place on the library lawn Wednesday, June 18 serving hotdogs and beverages from noon to 1 p.m.  This year’s theme from spectrUM Discovery Area: Summer of Science. 

This program then moves to Eva Horning Park each Wednesday through July 23 and will be where the Lunch in the Park is held. Eva Horning Park is located at 5th Avenue and Spruce Street in Superior.