Statewide collaborative effort ensures fewer kids go hungry this summer
DENVER (July 9, 2018) – As we near the mid-point of summer break, many parents are filling time with summer activities at school, trips to the pool, and games at the local park or recreation center. What many parents do not know, is many of these locations offer free, nutritious meals for kids and teens throughout the summer.
The summer meal program, federally known as the Summer Food Service Program, is funded by the USDA and was established to serve as a nutritional safeguard for children when school is not session. In Colorado, it is administered by the Colorado Department of Education and supported by Hunger Free Colorado, dozens of sponsors and hundreds of Colorado organizations that are providing summer meals in their communities and neighborhoods. This summer, more than 600 community sites across Colorado will provide meals to youth up to 18 years old at no cost.
“Summer can be a challenging time for youth who have lost access to school breakfast and lunch,” said Kathy Underhill, CEO of Hunger Free Colorado. “Keeping children fueled through the summer months with free, healthy meals ensures they return to school ready to learn and is part of a strong foundation for health and well-being.”
Community sites such as churches, schools and recreation centers offer free breakfasts, lunches, suppers and/or snacks that meet federal nutrition guidelines, as well as fun, engaging activities for children to exercise their minds and their bodies. There are no income or registration requirements for participation.
“The summer meals program positively impacts children’s growth and development, and sponsors of this program help ensure all children in Colorado have access to healthy meals during the summer,” said Bre Riley, director of the Office of School Nutrition with the Colorado Department of Education. “Last summer, close to 1.5 million meals were served and we hope to see even greater numbers this summer based on sponsors’ innovative and collaborative strategies to reach more children across the state.”
Increasing awareness and access to the summer food program is a priority for the state, in addition to boosting the academic success and well-being of Colorado children. Thanks to the involvement of partners across the state, Colorado has been able to open additional meal locations for 2018, particularly in rural areas.
Colorado families can find nearby summer meal sites by calling the statewide food resource hotline at (855) 855-4626, texting “FOOD” or “COMIDA” to 877-877 or by using an interactive map at KidsFoodFinder.org.
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Media Contact: Ellie Agar, Director of Communications, (720) 464-3620