WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

School is out, but nutrition shouldn’t go on vacay

 Washington children are enjoying the first few days of summer vacation, but for the many families that rely on free and reduced-price lunches during the school year, summer vacation can mean financial hardship.

Without school breakfast and lunch programs, their children are at risk of not getting enough to eat.

Fortunately, the Washington Summer Meals Program is here to fill the gap.  Administered by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), this program provides free meals and snacks to all kids from June through August in nearly every community across the state.

Meal sites are located in parks, schools, churches, housing developments, and recreation centers from Forks to Walla Walla.

It’s easy to find meal locations in your area. Just go to the OSPI Summer Meals website and enter your zip code.  The list is updated regularly and includes hours of operation, address, contact information, maps and directions.  Information is also available by calling 1-866-EAT-MEAL (1-866-328-6325).

Washington State has consistently low turnout for summer meal programs compared to other states, despite a significant number of children in need.

According to a 2010 report by the United States Department of Agriculture, which funds the program, just 8.2 percent of Washington children who qualify for free and reduced price lunch during the school year participate in the summer meal program.

That means thousands of our kids may be going without the nutrition they need to thrive during summer vacation.  It doesn’t have to be this way. If you know a family struggling to put food on the table during the summer months, encourage them to look into the summer meal program!