|
District to implement summer food program |
|
|
|
Friday, 08 May 2009 |
By ANGELA WEAVER
Staff Writer
ST. MARYS — The state of Ohio recently approved a local school district to provide two hot lunches a week to those who qualify during the summer — the first program of its kind in the district.
Beginning June 2, free meals will be available on Tuesdays and Thursdays during June and July for eligible children ages 18 and younger or to persons older than 18 who are mentally or physically disabled in McBroom Junior High Cafeteria as part of the Summer Food Service Program for Children.
"Agape (Ministries) informed us that there was a need for any kind of summer food program available, especially with this economic situation," St. Marys City Schools District Food Service Coordinator Donna Kentner said, adding that the students eligible for the program would be part of the district's free or reduced lunch program and the students have to pre-register.
Kentner said only the first 300 eligible children will be served during the 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. lunchtime on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
"Agape Ministries volunteers will serve, help prepare and keep an eye on the children," Kentner said. "Because of the economic need, it's a good way to make sure the kids are getting a couple of healthy meals."
Agape Ministries Director Kathy Bayless said she was excited for the program to start.
"We're still counting our blessings," she said. "It's going to be great."
Bayless said Agape will usually provide more food during the summer to those who visit the pantry but it still is not enough for the families.
"A lot of (the children) don't eat before dinner because they can't afford it," she said. "They're going hungry. There's too many family members, too many mouths to feed."
Bayless said Agape volunteers will also be handing out snack packs to the children for after their lunches and are looking at partnering with other organizations to provide interventions like a read-aloud.
Kentner noted that two churches in the area offer free meals during the summer — one on Sunday nights and one on Wednesday nights.
"Four days a week there's an opportunity for them to get a nutritious meal," Kentner said.
The meals that will be served during the summer have to meet the school lunch criteria, such as containing the right amount of protein. Some of the meals on the menu, Kentner said, include charbroiled hamburgers, pizza, subs and macaroni and cheese, plus a fruit, vegetable and milk.
To start the program, Kentner had to receive approval from the St. Marys Board of Education, go through an application process and receive state approval.
Bayless said she has hopes for the program's future and described Kentner's efforts as "amazing."
"I'm hoping it keeps expanding and becomes a really good summer program for the kids," she said. "We're excited, and we think it's going to be a great thing." |
|
Last Updated ( Tuesday, 19 May 2009 )
|
