This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Project Bread Grants $10,800 to the Pioneer Valley for Summer Food Programs

Project Bread Grants $10,800 to the Pioneer Valley

 for Summer Food Programs

More than $160,000 will enrich summer meals programs across Massachusetts 

Find out what's happening in Woburnwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

 

(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 three programs in the Pioneer Valley.

Find out what's happening in Woburnwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

 

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 three awards to the Pioneer Valley total $10,800 to the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts, Westfield Boys and Girls Club, and Holyoke Public Schools.

 

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 programs in the Pioneer Valley do this by combining fun activities with nutritious food. Holyoke Public Schools will be organizing several open barbeques while the other programs will provide meals at parks.

 

Kellie Brown, Director of Operations at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield, explains how the grant money will help their summer food program, “Due to the grant we received from Project Bread, we are able to continue educating the youth in our summer camp program on the importance of healthy eating and exercise.  We will use the funds to distribute healthy recipes and brochures regarding nutritious snacks and meals.”

 

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 Pioneer Valley 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.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?