Free Summer Lunch Program returns for Merrill kids

Children and teens in Merrill will have access to free lunch throughout the summer again this year thanks to a partnership between Christ United Methodist Church (UMC), St. Stephens UCC, Our Saviour’s Lutheran, Trinity Lutheran Church, and St. John Lutheran Church and the Merrill Community Food Pantry.
The program runs June 2 to Aug. 29, 2025, with meals available for pickup Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Christ UMC parking lot on Third St. near Mill St.
Each participating church will provide meals on assigned days, with all distribution centralized at Christ UMC. The Community Food Pantry will contribute snacks, drinks, and fruit cups, while Associated Bank volunteers will help pack meal bags.
No registration is required. Children or parents simply need to visit the Christ UMC parking lot during pickup hours to receive a ready-to-eat bagged lunch. The program will not serve meals on July 4.