Countdown to Summer Reading 2025 - Day 14 (Summer Lunch Program)

The Library continues it's partnership with the Chickasaw Nation's Impa'chi! Meals program this summer! The Chickasaw Nation provides this vital summer meals program to ALL children in the area until they age out at 18 as well as disabled adults. The Duncan Public Library and other locations serve as distribution sites, making it as easy as possible for the kiddos to eat. Here's what you need to know about this year's Summer Lunch Program:

Dates: All Summer! Our last day to serve at 2:30 - 4:30 will be Friday, May 23rd. Starting on Tuesday, May 27th, we will switch to Summer Hours (seen below). The last day of Summer Hours has not been annnouced, but has be just before school starts again in August historically. I will update the blog post when I have the latest information!

Times: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Who can get meals? Meals are available for ALL children under the age of 18 as well as disabled adults who live within the Chickasaw Nation treaty area. Kids do not need to be enrolled tribal members to receive food.

Do kids have to eat onsite? No, Duncan Public Library is a Grab-and-Go site where kids can get a breakfast and a lunch that they can eat here or take with them.

Can we still get the meal boxes? Yes, BUT not at the library. Those that meet qualifications can apply to receive a 10 meal box mailed to them through the Chickasaw Nation. They are still ironing out all of the details with the Department of Education, but visit this website to find out more and apply.

What foods can the kids expect? We get a variety of meals, but each is shelf stable and has a serving of fruit, veggies, milk, protein, and grain. Last year, breakfasts might have a breakfast bar or cereal. Lunches could have chicken bites, chickpeas, fruit cups, juice, cheese, jerky, goldfish crackers, and more! Children must take a milk with each meal serving. Anything that the child does not want with their meal can be added to the share table for those who might want more of that item.

Do I need to bring ID? No, you just need to provide the child's first and last name as well as the first and last name of the parent/guardian/responsible adult picking up the food. This is different from last year, but in accordance with new rules and regulations. Disabled adults who are receiving food simply need to indicated that they are such on the form, instead of listing a parent/guardian.

As we gain more information about this program for the summer, we'll update the information here! You can also email us at dploutreach@duncanok.gov with questions or reach out the the Chickasaw Nation for information.

Edited: Updated on 5/23/25 with new/updated information on meal boxes and start date for the library's summer hours.