Summer Food Wrap-Up & Back to Afterschool Meals

Despite concerns about dropping participation, many summer learning programs saw more students participating in summer food service programs this year. In Frederick, MD, local officials noted an increase in program participation this year. The Frederick Community Action Agency delivers the meals to sites across the county where 50 percent or more students are eligible for the free or reduced price school meal program. Sites that participate in the program are located in parks, schools and other public areas where children can congregate.

In some communities, summer meals are served with a healthy lifestyles lesson on the side. With between 85 and 90 percent of the students in the Santa Maria, CA, public schools eligible for free or reduced price school meals, the demand for the Summer Food Service Program is very high. This summer, the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County’s Picnic in the Park program served more than 35,000 meals, most of which are served in Santa Maria and the surrounding communities. While the children and their parents enjoy their meals, volunteers serving the meals teach lessons on healthy eating and active living.