Story Published: Jun 22, 2009 at 9:40 PM PST
Story Updated: Jun 22, 2009 at 9:40 PM PST
It's the summer food service program, on both sides of the river. It's part of a USDA program aimed at helping families who usually rely on the schools to help feed their kids during the school year.
"Fifty-three percent of the students in the Clarkston School District qualified for free and reduced meals, which is a large number and a lot of people are surprised by that number," said Registered Dietitian Amy Kimberling. "That number has increased every year since I have been working for Clarkston School District, which has been about five years."
In Clarkston, the program has operated for 16 years. And they aren't exactly "picking up the tab." Every penny spent is reimbursed by the USDA. The lunches are made at the high school and taken to certain spots around the Valley for distribution. Kimberling said they keep it healthy.
"A lot of fresh fruit and vegetables, sandwiches," said Kimberling. "For sack lunches we do a cold lunch so we're not having to heat up the kitchen."
The program will run until August 14th, and Kimberling said it's not just for those who qualify for free and reduced lunch.
"It is for all kids 18 and under that show up," said Kimberling. "They don't need a form, they don't need any kind of paperwork. They just show up and get a sack lunch at any of our five sites."
Those pick-up sites in Clarkston are Beachview Park, Arnold Park, The Boys and Girls Club, and Grantham Elementary. In Lewiston Sacajawea Jr. High and Jenifer Jr. High take part in the program. Each are open around 11:30 a.m. There is breakfast available at the Clarkston Boys and Girls Club, along with Jenifer and Sacajawea Junior High Schools. For information and times you can call 208-748-3064 or 509-769-5587.
