Local summer lunch program starts Tuesday
By Anne Marie Kyzer Staff Writer

Students may be out for the summer, but school nutrition staff won't miss a beat.

The Seamless Summer Nutrition Program kicks in next Tuesday to make sure that all children in the county under the age of 19 eat a good meal Monday through Friday.

The program, which was taken over by the Burke County Board of Education last year, received a national award after it fed as many as 3,500 children per day at 60 sites throughout the county last summer.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture reimburses the board for the meals and most of the staffing needs, while the board picks up the tab for some related transportation costs.

"We're excited because we're expanding the program even more," school nutrition director Donna Martin said.

Thirteen school buses will travel the county and deliver meals, "rain or shine," at 97 different locations this summer, according to Martin.

The buses make stops where pockets of children are located around the county, as well as at various camps and summer activities where children gather.

Martin said the program will provide meals for several more camps and church activities than it has in the past. Nearly 20 Vacation Bible School sites have already signed up.

"I think this is one of the most positive things I've seen this summer," Martin said. "People have decided to do more camps at churches and other places, because they can afford to feed the kids now. That's a real positive for the children, because they need something to do."

The program will begin May 29 and continue through July 27 at the sites listed at right.

For more information, call 706-554-5393.