Monroe Primary one of 15 schools participating in free summer lunch program

Across Indiana, children are participating in the summer food program, which gives free access to nutritious meals during the off-school months.

Monday afternoon, Superintendent Glenda Ritz was in St. Joseph County visiting one of the many schools participating.

Monroe Primary was packed with kids as they enjoyed their lunch indoors, out of the storm.

Anyone 18-years-old and under can show up during the weekdays and receive a free snack and lunch.

Ritz says the need for the summer feeding program is great.

"Food insecurity in itself is a problem. We are at 22 percent poverty of our children in the state of Indiana. I travel two to three days a week around the state and I see the great need we have with nutrition. We need to feed the body to feed the mind," said Glenda Ritz, Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Over 15 schools are participating in St. Joseph County.