No child will go hungry over summer vacation

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Story Published: Jun 18, 2008 at 9:17 PM PST

Story Updated: Nov 20, 2008 at 8:52 PM PST

By Matt Loveless

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CLARKSTON - A large amount of the food we eat in our younger years comes from our school district. And to families that can't always do the same at home, it's a necessity.

But what happens when school's out for the summer? Valley-wide, school districts don't miss a beat. We checked in with Clarkston, who started their summer school lunch program last week.

"It's meant to provide meals to kids who don't have access to the national school lunch program during the school year that get free and reduced priced meals," Food Service Manager Amy Kimberling said. "So, if there isn't food in the house, they can go out and get a meal."

Kimberling said the money comes from the USDA, and the meals aren't much different than those you might see at school.

We offer sack lunches," she said. "We have all cold food, so we're not operating any cafeterias. I know Lewiston does some hot food programs, but we stick to the cold sack lunches. Everyone who shows up 18-under and under, any child, is allowed a free lunch"

A crew bags up the goodies, loads them in a truck, and ships them off to five different locations. Kimberling said this summer, the program will be more important than ever.

"There seems to be a lot more inquiries this year," she said. "I think because of fuel and increased grocery costs, we've been getting a lot more inquiries about the program."

The lunches are available at Arnold Park, Beachview Park, Clarkston High School, Grantham Elementary and the Boys and Girls Club, around the noon hour. Kimberling said they also do breakfast at the Boys and Girls Club each morning at 8:00.

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