SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4 News) – No school for the summer can also mean no access to food for many children in the state. School districts are tackling that problem with free lunch programs available to all children.

Thirty-seven percent of students in the state utilize free and reduced meals programs at their school. In the Salt Lake City School District, that number jumps to 60 percent.

Katie Kapusta is a field supervisor over Child Nutrition Programs for SLC SD, she says that during the summer the district serves about 4,800 meals per day.

She said, “We have about 30 locations we operate out of, about 10 of them are parks which is really cool. There’s a sense of community with the kids playing and eating. “

All of the meals are provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Kapusta explained, “It’s pretty similar meals to what we serve during the school year, so it’s healthy food. We still have those same nutrition regulations, so low-fat milk, whole grains, lean meats, and fruits and vegetables.”

The schedule and locations do vary some over the summer, so be sure to check your local district’s website to find a food-site near your home.



WHAT OTHERS ARE CLICKING ON: