Thousands of children in the city of Syracuse recieve free or reduced-price breakfasts and lunches during the school year. Now that summer vacation has started, however, those lunches go away. So the Syracuse City School Disrict is once again this trying to bridge the hunger gap this summer.
The district served more than 145,000 meals over summer vacation last year according to Food Services Director Rachel Murphy. Murphy says the district tries to reach every corner of the city, with 45 feeding sites at schools, parks, community centers and libraries. Meals are free of charge to all children ages 18 and younger.
Murphy says she would like to double the number of meals served this summer, but admits it’s a challenge.
“Folks just don’t know that the summer meal programs are available," Murphy said. "They are free. They are for all children. It doesn’t matter if you are staying with your grandparents in the city of Syracuse or if you are just visiting. You can show up and participate.”
New this year will be barbeque days at participating parks. And there will be an extra push at a community center on the city’s northside, home to many new Americans in Syracuse.
There will be lunches and breakfasts offered at select locations starting this week, and the program will be in full swing July 9.
