Summer meals program helps kids
San Angelo Standard-Times
March 8, 2010
By Jerry Lackey
SAN ANGELO - The Texas Agriculture Department is seeking sponsors to host the Summer Nutrition Programs, which provide free meals to children during the summer months when schools are closed.
"No child in Texas should ever go without a meal," said Todd Staples, Texas agriculture commissioner. "We are a state full of resources; we simply need to connect the resources with those who need them most. Texas is a leader in many things - child hunger should not be one of them."
Federally-funded school breakfasts and lunches help millions of low-income children in the Lone Star State receive nutritious meals during the normal school year, but during the summer months, many children go without these meals, Staples said.
The Summer Nutrition Programs are offered statewide in areas or at sites where more than 50 percent of the children are eligible for free or reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Program. Eligible sponsoring organizations include schools, nonprofit residential summer camps, government agencies and tax-exempt organizations. All feeding sites must be sponsored by an organization that has a contract with TDA.
TDA encourages eligible organizations to consider providing this much-needed service to Texas children, Staples said.
For more information call the Food and Nutrition Division office at 877-839-6325. An application is available online at summerfood.org. Applications are due by April 15.
See the article: http://www.gosanangelo.com/news/2010/mar/07/summer-meals-program-helps-kids/