The North Cedar Community School District in Clarence, Iowa, has launched a Summer Food Service program to address food insecurity among students during the school break. In its inaugural week, the program served more than 500 children through both pick-up and delivery options.
Jen Smith, the district’s nutrition director, led a team of staff and volunteers to ensure the program’s success. “When we first found out we were going to be approved to offer the program, my first initial thought was we have to do this. We have a very big need in our community,” Smith said. The program is open to children from surrounding communities as well, reflecting a broader need in the area.
The district qualified for state reimbursements due to the number of students who receive free and reduced lunch. Megan Koth, a local mom and district employee, expressed her appreciation for the program, noting the rising costs of food and living. “The cost of food, and the cost of living has gone up, so this is great to do for everybody,” she said.
The program is funded by reimbursements from the state USDA and is administered by the state Department of Education. The high demand for the program has been evident, with Smith receiving numerous requests and emails from families in need. “We know it’s the right thing to do. If we can help kids get fed over the summer, that’s what our mission is,” Smith emphasized.
Summer EBT Program and Local Efforts
In addition to the North Cedar initiative, the federal SUN Bucks or Summer EBT program aims to support children in need. Although Iowa opted out of this program for the past two years, it provides $120 per child for groceries to families who qualify for free and reduced lunch. Paige Chickering, vice chair with the Iowa Hunger Coalition, highlighted the program’s effectiveness in addressing food insecurity during the summer.
Local meal programs like North Cedar’s are crucial in supporting families and reducing the strain on local food banks. The North Cedar program will continue to serve children until August 12, while Cedar Rapids offers a similar program that includes free meals for adults at specific locations from June 8 to August 14.
Smith and her team are committed to refining the program as they continue to serve the community. “We’ve been having a great time doing this. It’s been a little stressful,” she said, adding that they look forward to providing this vital service throughout the summer.
Original reporting: KCRG News – Cedar Rapids, IA — read the source article.
