For the first time since before the pandemic, Salem-Keizer Public Schools are opening their community lunch spaces for children to get meals throughout the summer. Grab-and-go-style meals had been the norm, but federal policy recently changed the rules for summer meal programs.  Now, chil dren and families must remain onsite while kids get their meals. Salem-Keizer Coordinator of Nutrition Services Christina McMahan said she is excited for more opportunities to build relationships in the community. “I’ve gotten some feedback that (volunteers are) really enjoying watching the kids get to know each other and joining in on some of the games and activities,” McMahan said. Applesauce, carrots and bean and cheese burritos are prepared for lunch as a part of the Salem-Keizer Public Schools summer meal program at Waldo Middle School. (BROOK FERRIS/Salem Reporter) As children and their families arrived at Waldo Middle School’s cafeteria on a recent Tuesday afternoon, laughter and conversation filled the space. A local high school volunteer led a coloring activity during lunch.  Hot lunches are served every weekday from 12:30-1:30 p.m. to any child in the community from ages one to 18. The program runs through August 28. Ten schools across the district are participating in the program. The program began June 22. McMahan said the first weeks were slow, as expected for the start of summer break when families typically go on vacation. The numbers have picked up since then, she said, and the Waldo Middle School site now averages anywhere from 40-50 children on average per day. “We have so much food insecurity in our community that we want to make sure that we are serving as many kids as we can,” McMahan said.  One in six children in Marion and Polk counties faces food insecurity, according to data from the nonprofit Marion Polk Food Share. Next year, McMahan hopes to start planning earlier so that more activities and special events can be implemented with the help and input of community members. During Waldo Middle School’s lunch service, Shawna Nelsen — who has been serving lunches in Salem-Keizer schools for 16 years — said she “loves seeing the little kids so excited to get the lunch.” “I’m glad they can come in for an hour and color and hang out with their friends,” she said. A collection of coloring sheets, markers and crayons are displayed on a cafeteria table at Waldo Middle School. Each day as a part of the Salem Keizer School district summer meals program there is also an activity available for individuals to do while they eat. (BROOK FERRIS/Salem Reporter) Summer meal sites are located at: Battle Creek Elementary School Claggett Creek Middle School  Four Corners Elementary School Judson Middle School Lamb Elementary School McKay High School McNary High School South Salem High School Waldo Middle School West Salem High School Contact reporter Reilly Norgren: [email protected] “My go-to source every morning for accurate, local news.” Make Salem Reporter your trusted source for independent local reporting – every day. Stay informed and connected. Subscribe today. The post Salem-Keizer schools relaunch summer community lunches to fight food insecurity appeared first on Salem Reporter. ...read more read less