HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The number of youth served by the Hutchinson USD 308 summer lunch program made a major jump from last year, while weather issues saw numbers in the Nickerson school district decline.

According to preliminary numbers released by the district on Monday, more than 22,800 meals were served. 20,154 lunches were claimed last year.

The district attributes the increase to mild weather and advertising.

Nickerson High School served 1,189 breakfasts and 1,845 lunches to children. Nickerson served 13 breakfasts and 84 lunches to paying adults.

South Hutchinson Elementary served 2,485 lunches to children and 189 lunches to paying adults. The numbers for NHS were down slightly from last year because of flooding. The district served about 400 more lunches at SHE this summer.

The summer meal program in Haven USD 312 runs through Aug. 9.