With their dad working two jobs in two different towns, Maykala Ridgebear and her sisters find themselves on their own for lunch. 

"Our dad's mostly working. He has two jobs," she explained.

So the 12-year-old, her sisters, and friends have been eating at school. But the summer lunch program at Longfellow Elementary has come to an end. It won't resume until school starts, leaving a three week gap. 

Susan Oliver, Nutrition Director at the YWCA said, "When we found out school lunch wasn't going to continue in August we already use state snack program through the Zone after school program for at risk kids."

Because of the Zone program, the YWCA's got the staff and volunteers. Jenny Clark saw familiar faces as she served lunch, including some children of migrant families she's worked with. 

Clark said, "I think it's wonderful we have the opportunity at a program like this to feed the kids. There are lots of hungry kids in Hastings that might not get a meal otherwise."

Left to eat on their own, kids might eat junk food, if anything. This offers a simple meal that may be the only nutritious meal kids get.

"That's why we thought it was really important to continue it until school gets back," Oliver said.

For Maykala and her sisters, it's a relief to have a meal they can count on. 

"So people don't have to worry about it, it's easier for adults not to figure it out what to make kids for lunch," she said.

The police department is hosting the meal. If the first day's any indication, they had well over 100 kids and expect up to 300 some days between now and the start of school.

Reporter's Notes by Steve White:
Oliver said the meal is free for kids from 1-18. No names will be taken. It's served from 11:00-12:30 each day through August 21.

"We are so glad that we have the opportunity to provide this service to the community.  It would not be possible without our many volunteers, the schools, the Hastings Police Department, the South Heartland District Health Department, the Nebraska Department of Education, Mary Lanning, and others.  The school staff and administration has been gracious and very helpful in helping Susan and myself in the planning and implementing of this program, it makes the process a lot easier having experts helping us" said Jennifer Lewis, YWCA Executive Director.