Summer Food Service Provides Healthy Meals for Free

GCS cafeterias are open this summer to children 18 and under

Contact: Laurie Hogan (336) 370-8307
Created: 6/17/2009 4:07:07 PM

Some Guilford County Schools (GCS) cafeterias will be open during the summer to ensure that children continue to receive nutritious meals when school is not in session. Through the Summer Food Service Program, GCS School Nutrition Services will prepare meals and serve them to children 18 and under at no cost. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which reimburses the district for meals served to eligible children. In 2008, GCS prepared about 5,000 meals a day to be served at more than 100 locations in Guilford County through the summer feeding program.

This year, the nation’s economic conditions make the program as important as ever. The percentage of GCS students who qualify for free and reduced lunch is up to 49.9 percent. In 2008, about 48 percent of the district’s students received free or reduced lunch. Additionally, the number of students experiencing homelessness increased to 1,581 during the 2008-09 year from 1,282 in 2007-08. During the school year, GCS provides these students with one or two meals on weekdays. However, when school is out, families on tight budgets may find it more difficult to provide nutritious meals.

“GCS wants students to return to school in the fall healthy and ready to learn,” said Cynthia Sevier, director of school nutrition services. “We are pleased to be able to offer this program during the summer, and we are thankful for the many community organizations that partner with the district to provide these meals.” Children are not required to qualify for free or reduced lunch to benefit from the summer feeding program. Meals will be free to children who go to a designated school site during the scheduled service dates and times.

Children who participate in summer camps and other programs in Guilford County also have access to free meals through the summer feeding program. The district has partnered with dozens of community organizations to provide the meals. School Nutrition Services will prepare the meals daily and local organizations that offer supervised summer activities at parks, community centers and churches, such as Greensboro Parks and Recreation or the Boys and Girls Club, will pick up the meals and serve them at their sites. These organizations are offering activities and enrichment programs geared toward children and youth in addition to the meals. Parents who are interested in having their children attend these sites should call the organizations directly in advance.

Parents and guardians who have questions about the summer feeding program should contact GCS School Nutrition Services at 336-370-3263 or 336-370-3266. The following school cafeterias will be open to serve free meals to children 18 and under at the specified dates and times:

Monday through Friday, June 22 to July 31, at 11 a.m. Gillespie Park Elementary, Montlieu Elementary, Hairston Middle, Jackson Middle, Dudley High

Monday through Thursday, July 6 to July 31, at 11 a.m. Alderman Elementary, Andrews High, Brightwood Elementary Fairview Elementary, Eastern High, GCS Newcomers School, Hampton Leadership Academy, High Point Central High, High School Ahead, Jamestown Elementary, Jones Elementary, Kirkman Park Elementary, Murphey Traditional Academy, Parkview Elementary, Peck Elementary, Smith High, Southern High, Welborn Middle

http://www.gcsnc.com/pdfs/SummerFeedingSitesList.pdf

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About Guilford County Schools

Guilford County Schools is the third largest school district in North Carolina serving more than 71,000 students at 120 schools. With approximately 10,000 employees, the district’s mission is to graduate responsible citizens prepared to succeed in higher education or the career of their choice. 

Guilford County Schools is a national leader in providing specialized schools and instructional programs designed to meet the educational needs of a culturally diverse citizenship.  For more information, visit the district’s Web site at www.gcsnc.com.