Reporter's notebook: A free lunch

CLOVIS — Plains Regional Medical Center’s free meal program has served more than 9,000 meals to area children since it began in 2016, according to a recent PRMC press release.

The program takes place all year long, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner each day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. to anyone under the age of 18 in the PRMC cafeteria.

Support services manager for food and nutrition services April Goff said she was expecting fast-food style fare like hamburgers and chicken would become the most popular meals. Instead, it has been the homestyle turkey and roast beef dishes that have really caught on.

“I figured those would be the two days (when turkey and roast beef are served) kids would turn up their noses ... but they turn out in droves,” Goff said.

Lorrie Bonney, one of the cooks at PRMC, said she struggled with finding food as a child, so “it makes me feel good” to be able to meet the needs of area children and give them a welcoming place to eat.

— Compiled by Staff Writer Jamie Cushman