Summer Feeding Program Kicks Off In Indy

INDIANAPOLIS -- The USDA’s Summer Food Service Program is gearing up across Indiana where around three million free, nutritious meals will be served to Hoosier children this summer.

The summer feeding program has been providing meals for children in low-income areas for decades.  In 2015 more than 250 Indiana sponsors like schools, parks, churches and community organizations participated.

"Last year alone, every day, we served over 70,000 meals statewide, and I expect that to be even more this year,"  said Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz at a kick-off event in Indianapolis.  

She said all the meals meet USDA nutrition regulations and children can chose from healthy options.

"You know we want to make sure the kids are going to eat the veggies, eat the fruit and we always give a choice of milk or juice.  We’re feeding breakfast in some locations, lunch, we’re feeding suppers in some locations and snacks," Ritz said.

That makes a difference for parents like Lisa Martinez who has three young children.

"It’s kind of hard to feed the kids when they’re out for the summer, with the bills and they’re also providing a healthy lunch so we come here and they get all their food groups and what they need for lunch," Martinez said. 

Families don’t need to sign up and can stop by any of the sites that can be found online at USDA.gov, this summer.