Applications now open to host summer meal program
The DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs will once again partner with the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning and the Happy Helping Program to provide meals through programs that service youth 18 years and younger during the summer.
While the program is not scheduled to begin until June, officials are encouraging agencies to apply now to participate as a distribution site.
“To qualify as a site, 50 percent of children served must meet the income guidelines for free and reduced-price meals in the National School Lunch Program,” stated officials. “Children who are members of households that receive food stamp benefits or Aid for Dependent Children (AFDC) assistance automatically qualify. Funding for the Summer Food Service Program is provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.”
Summer camp hosts can also apply to participate in the program.
Meals will be provided to children who qualify free of charge, according to DeKalb County’s website.
According to data on feedingamerica.org’s website, approximately 36,800 children in DeKalb County faced food insecurities in 2022. The same data found a $73,300,000 annual food budget shortfall for the county.
Research on feedthechildren.org shows that students who receive a free or reduced-price school lunch during the school year are especially at risk in the summer. “That’s because when the school year ends, so do school meals for millions of children,” the website continues. “Summer hunger can have some real, long-lasting effects. Food insecurity can cause physical and mental health problems and lead to poor educational performance when school begins again.”
Agencies in DeKalb County with summer camps that are interested in apply to become a program site this summer can call Rose McGrue at 678-698-1114. Applications and full program site participation requirements can be found at www.dekalbcountyga.gov/parks under “Summer Food” or picked up Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Mason Mill Recreation Center at 1340 McConnell Drive in Decatur. Completed applications are due May 16.
For more information, contact LaShanda Davis, Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs public relations specialist, at (404)710-6331 or lsdavis@dekalbcountyga.gov.
