Free lunches begin next week as the Country Neighbor Food Service program gets rolling at sites all over Ashtabula County, Country Neighbor Executive Director Barbara Klingensmith said.

“These programs are very important as families continue to struggle to make ends meet and have to make very difficult choices to meet daily basic needs,” Klingensmith said.

“All our sites are ‘grab and go’ which means they can pick them up and take them home. Parents or guardians may only pick up for their children in the household and may participate in only one program [site].

“Parents can assign an individual, such as a babysitter, however arrangements in writing must be made prior to participating in the program, Klingensmith said.

She added said thee is no income eligibility — the program is open to anyone in need for children one to 18.

“We are excited to be able to provide this program for our Ashtabula County children,” Klingensmith said. “We are grateful for the partnership with Youth Opportunities (A-Tech), Ashtabula County Juvenile court, Ashtabula County Community Action Agency, the Conneaut Summer Recess Program, Grand Valley Public Library, Rock Creek Public Library, Andover Public Library and Giddings Park.

“Without these organizations stepping up to help the meals would not be possible in Ashtabula County.”

The varied pick up sites include Andover Library from noon-12:30 p.m., June 2-Aug. 1; the Hub (5917 West Avenue) from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. June 2- Aug. 15 and Grand Valley Library from 11:30 a.m.-noon from June 2-Aug. 15.