The word is officially out.
After a big push to notify area families, the USDA-funded Summer Food Service Program has kicked off throughout the county and state, and local schools and nonprofits are serving up healthy, balanced lunches ”“ and breakfast at some locations ”“ to children at no cost.
The program is expanding in many cities and towns, and some sites are even adding activities so children can hang out before and after breakfast and lunch are served.
In Regional School Unit 23, sites in Old Orchard Beach and Saco are serving breakfast and lunch, and activities will follow the meals at the Jameson and Fairfield schools. Organizers gave examples, including a robotics class following lunch on Tuesdays at Jameson and nutrition-focused programs at both sites.
A major issue in the past has been lack of participation. In a recent interview for an article in the Journal Tribune Sunday, Gail Lombardi, Child Nutrition Services Program manager at the Maine Department of Education, which administers the program statewide, said it is under-utilized. She said only 15 to 16 percent of youth in Maine who qualify for free and reduced lunch during the school year partake of the summer program.
This likely means a lot of children and teenagers in Maine are not getting enough to eat during the summer, and likely not enough nutritious meals when they are eating. It’s important that children get proper nutrition year-round, Lombardi pointed out, because research shows a link between hunger and poor learning.
In addition to offering a needed service for many families, the programs also provide time for children to socialize, especially children who may be transitioning to a new school or starting school for the first time in the fall. Parents have the opportunity to meet as well and know their children are in a safe place with their peers.
Parents can even purchase meals in Biddeford for $3.
The only requirement for children is that they be 18 or younger. There are no residency or income requirements.
With all of the talk about the program expanding sites and services, we hope locals families will take advantage of the meal program and enjoy this great service to the communities.
For information about sites and times, call 1-866-3-HUNGRY or visit www.whyhunger.org/findfood to locate sites using an online map.
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Today’s editorial was written by City Editor Robyn Burnham on behalf of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski by calling 282-1535, Ext. 322, or via email at kristenm@journaltribune.com.
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