By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post

The USD 489 Summer Lunch Program has seen more than a 50 percent increase in the number of children it is serving this summer, and the director is attributing the jump to the new location at the Hays Public Library.

The program was moved to the library temporarily this summer because the Early Childhood Connections program, where the lunch program was formerly, is being moved to its newly renovated space on 13th Street.

Both Jessica Younker, USD 489 nutrition director, and Meagan Zampieri, children’s librarian, credited increases in attendance for both programs at least in part to the partnership between the lunch program and the library.

“It’s the same food and the same service. The only thing we have really changed is the location and the activities that are surrounding it,” Younker said.

In June last year, the summer lunch program averaged 128 children per day. In June this year, the program averaged 193 students per day. On its busiest day this summer, the program served 289 children.

Any child 18 or younger eats free through the program. Adults pay a small fee to eat with children. The program has also fed more adults this summer — 350 meals last June and 434 this June.

USD 489 initiated an afternoon snack program in 2018. That program has seen a slight increase. Last year, the program served an average of 61 children per day, and this year it is serving an average of 68 children per day. Those snacks are also free for children.

Zampieri reported 1,000 more participants in programs at the library in the children’s department in June.

The library has added programming to coincide with the summer lunch program. It has offered a Astronaut Training Academy at 11 a.m. Lunch is served beginning at 11:30 a.m.

Children’s library programs at other times are also up, which Zampieri attributes in part to the hiring of a new early literacy coordinator, Sara Schoenthaler. Storytime is up a total headcount of about 200 children compared to last year, Zampieri said.

“I think the lunch absolutely helps,” Zampieri said. “I think the things we are bookending it with are big.”

The library had 46 children in for its alien parfait program this week.

“It’s hot. They are here already. If we can sneak in a little education in there, that is really exciting for us,” Zampieri said.

She said she also thought the library, which also has a new communications coordinator, Callie Kolacny, is also doing a better job of getting the word out about its programs.

“People who visit the library frequently post about the library and post about what we are doing, so they know they can come here and get work done and take care of their kids and give their kids some fun things to do,” Zampieri said.

The increases have caused some issues for both programs.

On a couple of days, the lunch program ran out of the hot meal entree. However, it always has peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in reserves, so no one ever goes away hungry.

Although the children’s department on the second flour of the library has the space to accommodate the increase in the number of visitors, the space could be used better, Zampieri said.

At certain times, the department could use more chairs and tables for children to play games. She said reconfiguring the spaces is something library officials are going to consider in its strategic planning.

Younker said the summer lunch program usually sees a significant decrease in participants in the month of July; however, she said participation has remained strong so far this month.

Although the partnership between library and the lunch program was initially supposed to only be temporary, both Younker and Zampieri said they would recommend the program remain at the library.

“In my mind, this partnership will continue for years to come,” Younker said.

If your child wants to eat

Hot meals will be served in the Schmidt Gallery from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays through Fridays through Aug. 2. Adults can eat with children for $3.75 per meal. Children do not have to live in or attend USD 489 schools to participate. Click here for the July lunch menu.

Healthy snacks will be available free for children from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Mondays though Fridays in the children’s department on the second floor of the library. Click here for the July snack menu.

Library programs

To learn more about the HPL programs, visit the library website or call the children’s department at 785-625-9014.