North Adams to offer free summer meals

The North Adams Community Schools has announced plans to once again participate in the Summer Food Service Program. Free meals will be made available to all children 18 years of age and under and to persons over 18 years of age who are enrolled in a state=approved educational program for the mentally or physically disabled.

North Adams Food Service Director Erin Ripley noted the program in run in accordance with federal civil rights law, the United States Department of Agriculture civil rights regulations and policies, and prohibits any discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program conducted or funded by the USDA.

Ripley announced that meals would be available at five sites in Decatur including:

--Decatur City Swimming Pool, May 31 through July 29, 12:45-1:45 p.m. Monday through Friday (no meal on July 4).

--St. Joe School Gym, May 31 through July 29, 11 a.m. to noon, Monday through Thursday (no meal on July 4).

--Madison Street Sculpture Tour ( downtown plaza location), June 10, from 5-6 p.m.

--Bellmont Cafe (enter through Door N22), June 6-9, 11 a.m. to noon and July 5 through July 29 from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday.

--Bellmont Middle School (parking lot E), on August 4 from 6-8 p.m. for the Back Pack Bash.

Ripley said that meals at all sites will be served on a first-come, first-served basis and must be consumed on the premises since carry-out is not offered.