Lunch programs fill a need during summer months

Throughout the school year, low-income students are provided free and reduced lunch throughout Sonoma County in ordinance with The National School Lunch Program (NSLP).
While this program is easily accessed when school is in session, it is difficult to find during the summer months. This year, there are 73 sites in Sonoma County offering food to those in need during the break.
The NSLP is a federally funded initiative that assists schools in offering students with healthy and nutritious meals at reasonable prices.
These nutrition programs provide free breakfast and lunch to students under 18 across California.
These programs are strategically located in libraries, schools and community centers. “Adequate nutrition for children “all year” is needed to properly develop physically and cognitively so children have a better opportunity to be successful in school and as adults,” said Lisa Herberg, director of food and nutrition for the Windsor Unified School District.
In Windsor, free meals will be offered at Cali Calmecac School. “We want to prevent hunger in our community and give our children every opportunity to have the ability to grow and learn to be successful in life as adults,” said Herberg.
The initiative focuses on giving back, meeting needs within the community and providing necessities for low income students. “Every community member that reaches out to help another knows it is the best feeling in the world to give,” said Herberg.
Other locations are posted on www.wusd.org/pages/Food-Nutrition.
Kara Briggs, nutritional services employee with Healdsburg Unified School District has been working with the initiative for 10 years.
“Kids who wouldn’t normally eat breakfast – if their parents work early or if they are trying to get to school – those kids now have a chance to eat,” said Briggs.
This year there are fewer Healdsburg students using the program. “This year I have seen a drop in students coming in. This year I have about 150, in other years I’ve had up to 300 kids,” said Briggs.
Locations in Healdsburg include Fitch Mountain Elementary School, Healdsburg Regional Library and the Healdsburg Junior High.
“This program gives the opportunity to people who want to give back to their community a chance to volunteer. Plus working or volunteering in our realm is extremely rewarding because you get students who are very grateful to get nutritious food. We serve tons of fruits and vegetables. Fresh produce is a must,” said Rosa Rubio, food service provider for Healdsburg High School.
At Washington Middle School in Cloverdale, the free and reduced meal service is key to maintaining a healthy and happy student body.
Programs in Cloverdale are sponsored by Migrant Education, a force that hopes to prepare migrant students to be responsible citizens, value education and become productive employees.
“We are very fortunate to be able to provide walk in service to students who might otherwise go hungry,” said Jackie Rose, principal at Washington Middle School.
To find the food services location nearest you go to www.cde.ca.gov/ds/sh/sn/summer
sites.asp or contact Herberg at 837-7780.