A local church is hoping to make sure every child in Suffolk eats during the summer — and learns a little bit in the process.

Living Waters Ministry, 211 E. Washington St., Suite A, will be conducting a summer feeding program beginning Monday and lasting through Sept. 5, the last day before the first day of school. The program will serve lunch to all children who come from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Nobody has to prove income levels to receive a meal.

“We want to make sure no kids go hungry in the city of Suffolk,” said Pastor Chris Watson. “The parents work. You’ve got some parents who are irresponsible. We want to make sure the kids don’t suffer because of them being irresponsible.”

Many children receive breakfast and lunch at school throughout the year and then are unable to eat during the summer, Watson said. The program will even operate on holidays throughout the summer.

“We’re going to try to feed every day,” Watson said. “We’re trying to strike out hunger. It doesn’t make a difference what tax bracket you fall in. It’s for all kids.”

But the program won’t just feed the children. It also is designed to teach them about world geography and culture.

“They’re going to have a specialized project called ‘82 days around the world,’” said Karyn Watson, wife of the pastor. “It’s to make it more exciting for the kids.”

Each day, the children will have food from a different country or region of the United States. Chinese food, Hawaiian chicken and more are already on the menu.

“It’s something designated for all of the spots around the country,” Watson said. “It should be pretty exciting.”

In addition to the food, the program will provide activities such as games in the park, Friday night movies and more.

“We just want to make sure we give back,” Watson said.

This is the first time the church has done the program. It is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.