We were glad to receive the news that Austin Public Schools is once again providing meals to children 18 and younger as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Summer Food Service Program.

The Minnesota Department of Education encourages schools to offer free meals in the summer. Why? To ensure children — particularly ones from low-income families — continue to eat nutritious meals that meet the federal guidelines.

It’s the right thing to do. No child should suffer a lack of nutrition because of poverty or poor diet choices at home. The health of our children matters to the rest of society. We want — no, need — our children to grow into healthy adult bodies and become productive, active citizens.

The summer meals program isn’t the only solution, but it is a good step in ensuring nutrition during summer months when children aren’t in school.

The Austin Public Schools Summer Lunch Program started June 10 and runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday this summer at three locations — Austin High School, Neveln Elementary and Southgate Elementary.

The district served about 31,000 lunches in total last summer, and 35,000 during the summer of 2011.

The free lunches, run through July 26 at AHS and until Aug. 23 at Neveln and Southgate.

We encourage anyone interested in giving their child a good, wholesome meal to bring that child to those schools.