Library offers lunch through summer

DeSoto—The DeSoto Public Library, in partnership with Kid’s Cove Community Outreach and the Texas Department of Agriculture, is providing free lunches and snacks to children and teens up to age 18 throughout the summer. The program runs from June 2 to August 7, with lunches served Monday through Thursday from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. and snacks at 3:15 p.m.

Library director Heather McEntee spoke about the program.

“We have a Kid’s Cove Community Outreach. They come Monday through Thursday, and we have a lunch program. They bring free lunches for kids,” she said.

She said the library has been partnered with Kids Cove for about two years. 

“[People] don't have to sign up. It's just kids ages zero to 18,” McEntee said. “We usually make an announcement. Anybody that's in the library at that time can grab a meal.”

There are plans to offer the summer lunch program next year.

“When kids go back to school, we'll have snacks, and then next summer, we'll do lunches again,” McEntee said.

A variety of healthy, kid-friendly food is served.

“Sometimes they have hamburgers and hot dogs. They'll usually have milk and applesauce, so kids can get a healthy meal during the day,” McEntee said.

The lunch program encourages people to become involved with the library’s summer reading program and other events.

“It’s great during the summer because we have so many programs,” McEntee said. “We have the Mayor Summer Reading Club going on, so every day we have families coming in here for programs.

“Every Monday, we have a performer come in. We've had a magic show [and] a karate dance party.”