Courtesy photo Carney-Nadeau Public School Kindergarten Teacher Andrea Chaney, left, and Carney-Nadeau Media Aide Janet Neece help load milk into a family’s vehicle at the school. Staff at the school were excited to start the Summer Food Service Program recently. Meals are available to pick up Mondays between 8 and 10 a.m.

CARNEY — Staff at the Carney-Nadeau Public School started a program providing free breakfasts and lunches recently to all children age 18 and under called the ‘Summer Food Service Program’.

“We are distributing seven pre-packaged breakfasts and lunches at no cost each Monday to any student whose family signs up to receive them,” said Carney-Nadeau Superintendent Adam Cocco. “This is the first time we’ve ever run this program and we’re pretty proud to be able to offer free meals during this challenging economic climate.”

In March, after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer closed schools, the staff was able to continue providing meal services to their students. Many families rely on the school district to provide breakfast and lunch throughout the school year, according to Carney-Nadeau Principal Travis Depuydt.

“We were thankful the state allowed us to continue serving them (students) during the closure,” said Depuydt.

COVID-19 has taken a financial toll on many families around the school district. When staff found out they could apply for a summer meal program they pursued it.

“This summer meal program is a huge undertaking, and it wouldn’t be possible without the hard work and dedication of our staff,” said Depuydt. “Last Monday we had six volunteers, but normally we have around nine or 10.”

Carney-Nadeau’s Head Cook Tera Laurin decides what to prepare each week for the students. Meals range in variety to be sure students don’t receive the same thing each week.

“She orders a variety of different items ranging from pasties, a U.P. staple, to macaroni and cheese,” Depuydt said.

The program is federally funded and is available only to students of Carney-Nadeau, noted Depuydt. The school district will continue the program throughout summer until classes resume in the fall of the 2020-2021 school year.

Meals are available for pickup at the school every Monday from 8 to 10 a.m.