Over 140 children attended the kick-off for the Summer Food Services Program (SFSP) at the Mosqueda Center last week. SFSP collaborated with Community Food Bank, Fresno Metro Ministry and the Office of Juan Arambula to celebrate the Summer Food Service Program and promote fun ways to stay healthy during the summer.

“Times are tough nowadays,” says Randy Moens, Food Services Nutritionist. “SFSP gives us the opportunity to provide youth, who rely on free or reduced-price lunches, with a nutritious meal during their summer break.”

Parents were grateful for the healthy meal provided. Each child was given a lunch box complete with a turkey wrap, a bag of yam sticks, an apple, and a carton of non-fat chocolate milk. All the meals are prepared by our Food Services and must meet strict United States Department of Agriculture and California Department of Education nutrition guidelines.

According to California Food Policy Advocates, 125,995 Fresno County youth are eligible to participate in the program; however, only about 19% do. Even individuals over age 18 who are mentally or physically disabled and participate in a school program can receive a meal.

Summer Food Services Program sites are located in areas where 50% or more of the children attending the local elementary school qualify for free or reduced-price meals. To locate the nearest Summer Food Services Program distribution center, call the Food Resources Hotline at (559) 266-FOOD.