Summer Meals Rock!
By: Joyce Fenner, Director of Food Service
It is that time of year when kids are starting to look forward to school being out and thinking about summer plans. Whatever the plans are, make sure they include plenty of time outdoors. Mexico offers numerous parks and trails to help keep kids active. Also, make sure those plans 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!
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 – Friday starting May 31st through June 24th. Children need to be present to receive a meal, and meals are to be consumed onsite. 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 lunch meals starting June 27 and continuing until August 12.
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 6th was “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 the past couple of years have thrown every possible challenge at the cafeteria staff, they have all stood strong in their love and devotion to serve.