Ask any school administrator and you’ll find the sad truth is many kids today have their nutritional needs met mostly by the schools, through healthy lunches in the cafeterias and maybe snacks at other times. Busy parents and a tough economy has left many home kitchens without as frequent or nutritional a mealtime schedule.

So what happens to those kids in the summer, when their families who may be struggling to make ends meet are forced to stretch limited resources over another daily meal or two? Some of those meals just aren’t served, while many that are don’t have great nutritional value.

In what seems like a great program starting up soon in the five towns closest to St. Joseph’s College. Here’s more about it, as described in a news release issued by the school this week:

The Saint Joseph’s College Bon Appétit Management Company is sponsoring a free summer lunch program for kids and teens in five area towns. The federal summer Food Service Program will help families save money while providing a fun, safe place for kids and teens to eat a healthy meal. All meals must be eaten on-site, and no application is needed.

The program runs Monday-Friday from Noon to 1 p.m., in Casco, Harrison, Naples and Sebago and on Tuesdays in Otisfield. Sites are hosted by town recreation departments, community centers, schools, churches and parks, and are staffed by community volunteers. For more information about locations and start dates, or if you are interested in volunteering, please contact Abby at Preble Street Maine Hunger Initiative, 775-0026 or afarnham@preblestreet.org.