Thanks to a $1,200 from the Hardin County Community Foundation, Ada and area have free lunches this summer.

As in past years, the grant is operated through Beatitudes. According to Deb Curlis, this year, due to the covid-19 virus, it’s a “lunches to go” program.

Lunches are available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with extra lunches handed out for Wednesdays and Fridays. Lunches in the past were available at Ada park. This year they are picked up at Beatutudes on North Main Street.

“This summer’s program started in early June,” said Curlis. “We serve around 200 meals a week, which serves from 75 to 100 youth per day.

Beatitudes will take a week off for vacations starting Saturday, June 13. It will reopen Tuesday, June 23. Lunches will be handed out in advance on Thursday for use during the vacation week.

While the grant provides funding for the lunches, Curlis said invites persons to donate packaged items such as chips or cookies.