Project Bread Grants $3,945 to Attleboro for Summer Food Programs
More than $160,000 will enrich summer meals programs across Massachusetts
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(July 2, 2013 – Boston) For children in families that struggle to put food on the table, finding a meal during the summer can be a challenge. That’s why Project Bread is awarding more than $160,000 to 425 Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) locations in 37 communities, including a program in Attleboro.
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This summer, more than 50,000 students will enjoy a healthy breakfast, lunch, snack, or dinner at one of nearly 900 summer meal sites in schools, parks, public pools, neighborhood centers, and other program locations across the state. The award to Attleboro totals $3,945 to the Attleboro Council of Churches Food ‘N Friends program.
From September to June, school meals—breakfast and lunch—provide children with a consistent and reliable protection against hunger. In the summer months, these children need another source of food in order to remain healthy and return to school in the fall ready to learn. All meals are free to children and youth 18 years and under, no registration or sign-up necessary.
Project Bread works with community partners and state policy makers to boost, strengthen, and expand the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), a federally supported child nutrition program, which was specifically designed to bridge the summer gap in school meals.
According to Ellen Parker, executive director of Project Bread, “The best summer meals programs lead with great activities that attract children. Children want to attend summer meals programs that are fun and offer them dignity. If a meals program has the feel of a charity handout, it’s not building the healthy self-esteem that children need to thrive and succeed.”
The Attleboro Council of Churches Food ‘N Friends program expects to serve more than 3,000 lunches through its three Summer Kids Cafe sites. These open sites serve bagged lunches at inner-city, high poverty playgrounds where students experience a festive all-inclusive atmosphere that everyone can enjoy.
Pamela Tarallo, administrator of the Food ‘N Friends program, explains how the grant money will help their summer food program, “We are grateful to Project Bread for this grant. We are using the money to purchase much-needed coolers, tables, thermometers, and other items to keep our food safe to eat. With the help of the grant, we are given the ability to reach and serve more children in our community.”
Most sites will be open by July 1 and all generally run until mid August. Parents, guardians, and teens can get exact dates and a complete list of programs in the Attleboro area by calling Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline at 1-800-645-8333 or by going to www.projectbread.org/summermeals. Through Project Bread’s Text 4 Food campaign, students can also be directed to a free meal at the nearest open Summer Food Service Program by texting 617‐863‐6325.
About Project Bread
Project Bread is the only statewide antihunger organization committed to providing people of all ages, cultures, and walks of life with sustainable, reliable access to nutritious food. From community-based meal programs, to early childhood and school nutrition initiatives, to improved access to farm-to-table resources, Project Bread approaches hunger as a complex problem with multiple solutions. With funds raised through The Walk for Hunger, the oldest continual pledge walk in the country, and other sources, Project Bread pioneers innovative initiatives and supports effective programs to eradicate hunger in our state. For more information, visit www.projectbread.org, www.facebook.com/projectbread, or www.twitter.com/walkforhunger.
