As the school bell rings for the final time this spring, several children across the country will unfortunately lose a free meal. That includes students in Guthrie County. Several Guthrie Center organizations are making sure local youth aren’t affected during the month of June. New Opportunities, Guthrie Center Elementary, and Guthrie County ISU Extension and Outreach will be teaming up to host the Summer Food STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Fun Lunch program.

Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday in June, there will be a STEM-based program at the elementary from 10:30-11:15am for those 18 and under. The lunch will follow from 11:15am-12:15pm.  Extension Program Coordinator Mary Ebert talks about the different presenters they are hoping to book for the program.

“We have already booked Panora EMS. They will be bringing an ambulance over to show the kids. We’re talking to the fire department right now. Sheriff’s Department as well. We’re hoping to get some programming from Springbrook (State Park) to come in and do a presentation with us. We also have Guthrie County Farm Bureau, (who) usually does a lot with ag in the classroom. They bring in the live animals. We’re hoping for a good variety. Something different each day.”

The program and lunch are free, and no registration or identification is required. Contact New Opportunities or the Extension Office for more information.