Summer Meals Rock!
It is that time of year when kids are starting to look forward to school being out and thinking about summer plans. This year, those summer plans may look a lot different than past years. Family vacations may become “staycations”. Summer camp or hanging out with friends may look different as well.
Whatever the plans are, make sure they include plenty of time outdoors. Mexico offers numerous parks and trails to help keep kids active. In addition, outdoor activities go very well with social distancing.
Whatever your plans, make sure they include good nutritious meals.
During this school year, due to waivers from USDA, all children have had access to meals at school free of charge. However, what happens when school is out and that service is no longer available to some? Many kids do not have access to regular nutritious meals during the summer. This is where the USDA through state agencies such as Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) provide sponsors with the financial and administrative support and training to provide much needed meals to all children and teens free of charge. Working with the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), school districts and youth organizations such as YMCA come together to make sure good, nutritious meals are available to the community’s youth. The meals are free regardless of financial need and the children do not have to be enrolled in summer school or any other programs to be able to participate. They simply go to one of the serving sites during the posted meal times and enjoy! Of course, this summer, facemasks and other precautions are in place at the buildings, as they have been during the school year, but kids can still receive the same great meals.
Mexico 59 will provide free meals to children and teens age 18 and under during June as a sponsor of the SFSP. This summer, breakfast and lunch will be served at Mexico High School, Mexico Middle School, Eugene Field Elementary and Hawthorne Elementary on Monday – Fridays starting June 1st through June 25th. Children must be present to receive a meal. Please watch for flyers and social media for meal times.
Mexico 59 is not the only local agency providing free meals when school is out. Please watch for flyers and notices from the YMCA with information regarding availability of meals starting June 28 and continuing until August 13.
Families can find out more at www.fns.usda.gov/summerfoodrocks for locations, times and other details. Families may also contact the MPS Food Services Office at 573-581-3773 ext 2406 for more information or questions.
We would also like to take this opportunity to let everyone know that May 7th is “School Lunch Hero Day”. Please take time to thank the school “lunch ladies” for tirelessly working to make sure every child has a good, nutritious meal and offering a warm smile. Even though their smiles have been covered with masks this year, their eyes are still smiling bright! This past year has thrown every possible challenge at the cafeteria staff, but they have all stood strong in their love and devotion to serve.
Mexico School District is an equal opportunity provider.