Summer feeding program helpers gather for a photo (left to right): Sonia Roberson, PCHS; Mary Gonzalez, EFJH; Debra Britton, Red Bay; Lesa Ewing, PC and Tharptown; Amy Gunderman, Child Nutrition Director; Renee Fretwell, Tharptown; Joyce Malone, Tharptown; and Teresa Simmons, Belgreen.

“Summer is a critical time for children’s academic and physical well-being. During the summer children are at a higher risk of hunger,” said Amy Gunderman, Child Nutrition Director for Franklin County Schools. “This is because of the increase in single parent families and both parents working.”

That’s why Franklin County offers a special program to make sure children have access to the nutrition they need.

“Summer meals programs, which include the Seamless Summer Option provided by Franklin County Schools, provide free summer meals for kids and can become an important source of nutritious food for children and youth during this time,” Gunderman said.

The program offers free, nutritious meals for the children of Franklin County, but it also provides an incentive for children to participate in summer enrichment programs such as the Franklin County T.R.A.C.K.S. program. The feeding program also feeds students who are attending summer remediation and summer school.

The summer feeding program will take place at Belgreen, Phil Campbell, Tharptown, Red Bay and East Franklin school cafeterias through July 24. The cafeterias are open Monday through Friday from 7:30-10 a.m. for breakfast, and they re-open at 10:15 a.m. and stay open until noon to serve lunch. Meals are free and will be served to children ages 0–18. To be served, the child must be present at the cafeterias. Take-outs aren’t permitted because of state and federal regulations.

The meals served will meet all the new nutritional guidelines and will provide plenty of fruits and vegetables.

No jurisdictions are set. Any child can attend any school participating, and the meals are free regardless of the child’s lunch prices throughout the school year.

“Programs like these mean children are not only well-fed but in a safe environment engaged in academic and recreational activities,” Gunderma said.