How the Summer Food Service Program works in Lexington

Originally published by WEKU.

The Fayette County Public School District’s annual Summer Food Service Program is underway. Michelle Coker is the district’s child nutrition director. She called the federally-funded program a wonderful opportunity for anyone 18 years and younger to get free, nutritious meals and snacks while school’s out for summer.

“Currently, we have seven sites, school sites that are offering breakfast and lunch in the month of June. We have three library sites that are offering a lunch and an afternoon snack in June, and then we have some various other programs.”

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Summer Food Service Program was created as a pilot program in 1968, and permanently authorized as an entitlement in 1975. Coker is a big fan of the program, which does not require proof of income.

“When they’re in school, they have that availability to come eat a meal. During the summertime, if they don’t, or even if they do, it’s still an opportunity to get out, to come get a meal, a nutritious meal with us, and, you know, be able to play with other children and network and have some fun.”

Coker said the district partners with nonprofits to operate the Summer Food Service Program.

Lexington Summer Food Service Program schedule

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Originally published by WEKU.

Republished with permission.

https://www.weku.org/lexington-richmond/2024-06-16/how-the-summer-food-service-program-works-in-lexington