Meals throughout Marion County will be handed out to parents and students today as the Knoxville, Melcher-Dallas and Bussey Food Youth Initiatives begin meal distribution for the summer. Meals are available for all children age 18 and under free of charge. Verlin Goodyk with Knoxville Food Youth Initiative tells KNIA/KRLS News it is important this year especially to make sure families have the food they need as some families have parents out of work or reduced income so families are in need now more than ever. Goodyk says the Food Youth Initiative makes sure that kids are getting the food they need. 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic all meals will be cold and families will receive enough meals for two days with families receiving up to 6 days worth of meals if they come to every meal distribution day.

In Knoxville meal distribution will take place at the Knoxville High School Parking Lot from 11:30 to 12:30 p.m. 

In Melcher-Dallas meal distribution will take place from 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the east side of the Melcher-Dallas City Park.

In Bussey meal distribution will take place from noon to 1 p.m. in front of Katy Did’s.