Free Summer Meals Offered for Kids

BARRY — Free summer meal programs will be available for children and teens in Barry and Louisiana as local groups work to help families while school is out.

The United Methodist Church of Barry will offer its 2026 Summer Lunch Program from May 26 through August 18. Free sack lunches will be available Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Junior Room at Barry United Methodist Church, located at 720 Perry Street.

The Barry program is open to all children and teens, with no registration or paperwork needed. Lunches will include items such as a sandwich or Lunchable, fruit, chips, dessert, and a drink. Children may take the lunch to go or eat at the church. Organizers note that they cannot accommodate special diets or food allergens.

Questions about the Barry lunch program can be directed to Debbie Lohnes at 217-257-7117, Michelle Rennecker at 618-838-0909, Marsha Woods at 217-653-3018, or Barry United Methodist Church at 217-335-8464.

In Louisiana, free breakfast and lunch will also be served to children up to age 18. Breakfast will be available from 7 to 8 a.m., and lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Louisiana program will be offered at Louisiana Elementary School Tuesday through Friday from May 26 through June 12, and at Louisiana High School Monday through Friday from May 26 through June 12.

Both programs are aimed at making sure children have access to nutritious meals during summer break.