Summer break is usually a time that many children look forward to, but for some children who are food insecure, that time of year can be a challenge.
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With more than half of its student population on free or reduced lunch, the Haywood County school system implemented the USDA Summer Feeding program a year ago, which drew dozens of children to Jonathan Valley and North Canton Elementary Schools to receive a free lunch five days a week.
Orchard Elementary School, serving lunch from 11:30 a.m.to 1 p.m. June 6-Aug.
Lunch: 11:45 a.m.to 12:15 p.m. Each school’s cafeteria workers will be serving the meals.
“Sadly, there are kids across America who eat poorly or go hungry during June and July”, said Tim Howington, director of child nutrition for the Oxford School District.
From 8 to 8:30 a.m. and 11:15 to noon every Monday through Friday between June 13 and Aug 19 at Canyon View Elementary School, 1229 W. 22nd Pl.
The other Laurel County summer feeding sites include Corbin, Bush, Hunter Hills and London elementary schools, South Laurel High School, London-Laurel Wellness Park, Mill Street Park and First Baptist Church of East Bernstadt.
Aramark and Lubbock ISD are dedicated to providing students breakfast and lunch meals during the summer months.
Starting today in Bibb County students will receive free meals for the summer.
“Last year, about 800 kids participated in the summer reading program”. “The kids are home, but their dollars in food stamps don’t increase”. All community children up to 18 years are welcome to join us for nutritious meals in a safe and inviting environment. Only two schools were open past year, so finding transportation was an issue for several families.
“This program makes a big difference”, Hansford said. “We want people to know we have the service available for them”. “Now, since we have a year under our belt, we’re trying to get all corners of the county”.
The mother of five (including two step-children) said it’s nearly impossible to stretch the family’s food dollars during the summer to cover meals the kids have at school the rest of the year.
For more information on the program, contact Todd Bedenbaugh at 803-476-8154.
To find a participating park near you, even if you live outside of Austin, visit the program’s website.
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Lunch: 11 a.m. -noon • Pontiac Library, 2215 S. Hanna St. Lunch: 11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.; snack: 2:30-2:45 p.m. • Renaissance Point (YMCA), 2323 Bowser Ave.
