Mon, 06/24/2013 - 9:00am

Now that summer has arrived, it’s time to think about keeping children healthy while school is out. Eating well over the summer helps kids return to school ready to learn in the fall.

Summer Food Service is very pleased to be adding the Wiscasset Community Center to the program this year. The Wiscasset Center is very enthusiastic about servicing the hunger need in the community and so it is a perfect partnership.

During the school year, many families stretch their food budget by applying for free and reduced priced meals for their children. These families often find it difficult to absorb the additional costs when school is not in session. When children are hungry they are at risk for malnutrition and are at a disadvantage when they return to school in September. The goal of the Food Service Program is to minimize that risk for children.

Each year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture partners with local organizationsto provide nutrition and socialization to children when school is out; helping kids retain learning and skills they gained during the school year.

Breakfast and lunch will be served daily Monday through Friday from June 24 through August 16 for 50 all-day campers at the Wiscasset High School, as well as be made available for kids and teens, 18 and under, at the community center itself. Meal times are as follows: breakfast, 7:30 to 9:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Per USDA guidelines all meals must be eaten on site and only during established meal times.

No registration needed, just show up during meal times, all are welcomed and encouraged to attend! If you would like to volunteer with the program, make a cash or cooler donation; or would like more information, please contact Anni Pat McKenney at 207-592-2783 or programs@healthylincolncounty.org.

For more information about the national Summer Food Service Program, visit www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/summer. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.