Summer Feed Program Returns to District Five Better Than Ever
IRMO – Schools may be out for the summer, but student nutrition demands never take a day off. For the third consecutive year, District Five is taking a leading role in the Summer Feed Program. This year, Irmo and Dutch Fork High Schools along with Harbison West Elementary School are providing free meals to children ages two through 18 on a first come, first serve basis during breakfast and lunch hours.
“Summer feeding in District Five is very important to children in our community. They must have access to good, nutritional meals and not just during the school-year, but the summer as well,” said, District Five Director of Student Nutrition, Todd Bedenbaugh.
When asked about the program, Irmo High School Student Nutrition Manager Faye Golding smiled and said, “This is my mission field. When you have kids approach you and say thank you, that is what makes me love my job. It is a great way for us to represent District Five by assuring kids they have a healthy breakfast and lunch at no charge.”
When the Summer Feeding Program started three years ago about 4,000 meals were provided. This summer an estimated 85,000 meals will be served.
“The kids appreciate us,” Student Nutrition manager at Dutch Fork High School Diane Boncorddo said. “You don’t know where some of their meals are coming from. Knowing that they can come here, eat and be happy is really fulfilling for our staff.”
The meals that are prepared and served are funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. “Our summer programs are important because not only are we feeding the kids in our schools, but also taking meals into the community in areas where many kids are not getting three meals a day,” Bedenbaugh said. District Five was also provided a grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield to purchase a food truck that is being using to deliver the meals.
“The kids are getting food like a chicken sandwich or a slice of pizza,” Boncorddo said. “How cool is that?”
For a full schedule, locations and more information about the Summer Feed Program, visit our website.