WEATHERREGISTER VIEWPOINT: Get the word out about free food for kids
Jul 13
2010
The Erie-Huron Community Action Commission has a simple mission -- fight childhood hunger. Unfortunately, not all residents, especially those who could benefit the most from the commission's summer food-service program, are aware of the free food and activities being made available to area children.
The summer food-service program operates in 12 sites in Sandusky, one in Norwalk, one in Willard and seven in Mansfield. The commission expanded the program in Sandusky this year by adding two sites -- Lions Park and Schaffer Park. Yet attendance at both sites has been disappointing as the commission attempts to spread the word about the free program.
As the commission has seen at other sites, the need is there. And with so many people struggling to find work in this part of the state, we suspect that need is now greater than ever.
Any child 18 and younger can eat free along with people 19 years and older who have mental or physical disabilities and participate during the school year in a public or private non-profit school program. The commission pays for the meals, and then seeks reimbursement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
But the program isn't just about food. Volunteers and staff supervise board games, crafts and physical activities such as kickball in addition to trying to teach the kids about making good nutrition choices.
Eating healthy, having some fun and possibly making new friends. All for free. Sounds to us like the summer food-service program is a winner, for both kids and the community.
Summer food program sites
Weekdays through July 30: Central, Farwell, Huron and Foxborough parks, 9-9:30 a.m. and 12:30-1 p.m.
Weekdays through Aug. 20: Hope Center, Lions Park, Schaffer Park, Sandusky Citizens Coalition, The Sanctuary Four Seasons and Willard Head Start, breakfast 8:30-9 a.m., lunch noon-1 p.m. Boys and Girls Club, Center for Cultural Awareness and Sandusky YMCA will offer lunch noon-1 p.m.
Weekdays July 12-29: Mills Elementary, 7:30-8 a.m. and 12:30 a.m.-noon for children in summer school.
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Comments
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11:41 PM
Salvatore says
Just a darn minute here. What are food stamps for? Don't these kids already get free food at home? And how are 18 year olds considered children? Some of these food stamp children should miss a few meals. What about the people 19 years and older who have mental or physical disabilities? Do senior citizens qualify? Kick ball? All for free? Nothing is free because the working taxpayer is paying. Why not buy the kids some cheap fishing poles and teach them to fish? Buy them a Euell Gibbons book and they can forage for free food. The exercise would do some of the kids some good.
01:42 PM
outsider says
Do you really need to spread the word about "entitlement"? Is this program really necessary? No one is showing up for free food and babysitting. Eighteen year olds are get free food and games and crafts.
Sounds like a loser to taxpayers. Stop taking my money and using it for those who don't care enough to take care of their own kids.
01:27 PM
outsider says
Where did the article go that stated they were hoping for double digit attendance. Wow! Ten kids. How about the kid that was thankful he is attending so his mom can sleep in and run errands while he is at the program. So we have a free program that no one attends and we get to let the parents sleep in. What a great program!!!