For the fifth year, Parma schools will help feed hungry students during the summer months.
Throughout the country, many students' most nutritious meals are those they get at school, a resource not available during the summer. However, the Parma City Schools' Summer Food Service Program changes that, offering free lunches during the warmer months. Both Parma residents and non-residents may take part. Officials can use flyer printing to create a mailer reminding residents of the program.
The measure is important to local students, half of whom qualify for reduced-price or free lunches. The free meals this year will be given to all children from age 1 through age 18, at various locations. During the week, meals will be served from 12.00 noon until 1.00 pm at Dentzler Elementary School; from 11.30 am until 12.30 pm at Shiloh Middle School; from 11.30 am until 1.00 pm at Greenbriar Middle School; and from 12.00 noon until 1.00 pm at John Muir Elementary School.
Bob Gorman, the supervisor of nutrition services for Parma's schools, said there will be some new additions this year. For one, breakfast will be served at Shiloh, and there will be a fresh vegetable and fruit bar set up at Greenbriar. He noted it's important for children to eat veggies and fruit, and he believes that offering a variety, the children will be tempted to eat more of the fresh produce.
The program starts on June 10 at most schools and goes through August 2.
