For some kids, the free or reduced breakfasts and lunches they receive during the school year may be the only time they are guaranteed a balanced meal.

And while summer is a time to relax and have fun, it can be difficult for young people who may not know when their next meal is coming.

City of Redmond’s teen and 50-plus programs administrator Ken Wong said this has always been a concern for them: What happens in the summer to kids who no longer have access to those regular meals through school?

“We think it’s very important,” he said about the issue.

To address this concern, Wong said the city applied for a grant from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) through the state’s Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to provide free lunches to anyone ages 18 and younger every weekday this summer. In addition, the city program received a grant from the United Way. The program also receives support from Nourishing Networks, an Eastside organization that works to address hunger issues within local communities.

The summer meals program started July 9 and will be offered through Aug. 24 from noon to 12:45 p.m. Lunch is served Monday through Friday at Sunset Gardens Park located at 18304 N.E. 95th St. in Redmond.

The meals typically include a sandwich, some fruit, another source of protein such as cheese and milk (regular or chocolate). Wong said their food vendor is the Lake Washington School District, meaning the city buys the lunches from the district. PCC Natural Markets has been donating the fruits for the meals as well.

“I think we’re very fortunate,” said City of Redmond recreation program assistant Rana Shmait about all of the support they have received. “There is a need and we’re able to serve it.”

Shmait, who has been on-site to serve the lunches, said they have served an average of 25 to 30 lunches per day — many of which go to kids who were in the area.

Wong said Sunset Gardens Park was chosen based on a set of income criteria for the surrounding area. He added that in order to host the program at a school, the school would need more than 50 percent of students on free or reduced meals and all the schools closest to meeting this requirement in Redmond were just on the borderline.

Although there is the income requirement for the site, Wong said the program is open to all as they are not allowed to ask anyone about their income status.

“The majority of the folks we have seen so far … it’s only been local,” Wong said.

They have mostly been serving elementary-aged kids who have been out with their parents, but a few middle schoolers who have been playing basketball nearby have stopped by and brought their friends in the following days, he said.

One mother from the area, who declined to share her name, brought her four children to the park for lunch last Friday for the first time and said this may turn into a weekly routine. The Redmond woman said when she fixes meals she won’t always include fruit or other aspects the city program provides because she gets too busy with her kids.

“It’s pretty cool,” she said about the program. “I like the fact that it’s a balanced meal.”