Schools offer summer food program

When the school year ends many children face a new challenge: obtaining one solid meal a day.

According to Oklahoma City Public Schools about 86 percent of metro children qualify for free or reduced lunches.

During the summer months families can turn to the Child Nutrition Services Summer Food Service Program. Children under the age of 18 can receive a free breakfast and a free lunch at any of the 25 participating schools. Proof of income, proof of age and registration are not required to receive free meals.

"Just because our students aren't here in the summer doesn't mean we don't care about them and what happens in their lives," said Kathleen Kennedy Oklahoma City Public Schools spokeswoman. "We want to make sure they're eating."

Last summer the Oklahoma City school district served more than 87,000 meals. This summer district officials said they speculate they will serve more meals because of the increase in food prices. However, Kennedy said she does not believe the increase in gas prices will affect participation numbers.

"Transportation might be your biggest obstacle, but when that's your only meal then most people will find a way to get there," she said.

The Summer Food Service Program is federally subsidized and cost about $120,000 dollars to operate. It runs weekdays June 9 through July 25. For more information call (405) 587-1032