A church in Nesquehoning wants to make sure families get at least one meal a day this summer.

Meed’s Memorial United Methodist Church is hosting its free summer lunch program for children and families of the Panther Valley communities. This is the sixth year for the free lunches at the church.

The program began June 18 and will run through Aug. 24. Meals will be served Monday through Friday between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., except the Fourth of July.

Cyndi Christman, director for the summer lunch program, said that most of the families they serve are from Nesquehoning, but anyone from Summit Hill, Lansford and Coaldale can also come for a kid-friendly meal since a lunch program that previously served those areas is not taking place this summer.

“Everyone is welcome,” she said, noting that last year the church served more than 1,800 meals over the 10-week period. “We try to do a family-type thing.”

Meals are prepared by volunteers and are geared toward things kids like, including grilled cheese, spaghetti, hot dogs, tacos and breakfast.

The church program operates on donations and is always accepting things from the community and area businesses, whether it be monetary, food donations or volunteers.

Christman said if anyone in the community would like to donate, they can call the church at 570-669-9212 or stop by during the program’s lunch hours.

Those who wish to become a volunteer and are over 18 must have their clearances before beginning at the church.

In addition, donations are also being accepted for a new truck to pick up food in because the one the church used was in a crash.

Meed’s Memorial United Methodist Church is located at 126 W. Catawissa St., and the entrance to the fellowship hall where the lunches are held is located around the side of the church. Doors close daily at 12:45 p.m. to allow volunteers time to clean up.