PASCO, Wash. – With summer break now underway, the Pasco School District is addressing food insecurity through its Summer Meals Program. This initiative ensures that students who depend on school lunches continue to receive nutritious meals during the break.
Brad Green, a nutrition expert with the Pasco School District, emphasized the program’s significance. “We are their only source of hot food for breakfast and or for lunch,” he said.
Without this program, Green noted, “hunger would be prolific if programs like this did not exist. There would be children that would have to sacrifice meals, parents that would have to sacrifice meals just to get through their day.”
The program, which serves hundreds of kids, provides a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. “As you can see behind me, we have a nice selection of fresh fruits and vegetables. And to get that nutrient dense opportunity for children… one to 18 years of age, is crucial for the developing years,” Green added.
Funded by the USDA and allocated by the Washington State OSPI, the program sources much of its food locally. “They’re ready to eat the fresh produce that we, put out there, ready to eat the hot entrees that we provide as well,” Green said.
“An added bonus that we can provide locally sourced stuff, produce meats. That is a huge win for us as well.” The Summer Meals Program begins today and runs until mid-August.
The following is the current schedule from Pasco School District:
Pasco High School, 1108 N 10th Avenue
June 16-July 3, (Monday-Friday), 7:45-8:45 am; 11 am – 12 pm July 7-9, (Monday-Wednesday), 7:45-8:45 am; 11 am – 12:15 pm July 10-Aug 14, (Monday-Thursday), 8-8:30 am; 11:15 am – 12 pm
Stevens Middle School, 1120 N 22nd Avenue
June 16-July 3, (Monday-Friday), 7:30 – 8:30 am; 11:30 am – 12 pm July 7-July 17, (Monday-Thursday), 8-8:30 am; 11:30 am – 12 pm
James McGee Elementary, 4601 Horizon Drive
June 16-Aug 22, (Monday-Friday), 8:30 – 9:15 am; 11:30 am – 12:15 pm
Chiawana High School, 8125 W Argent Road
June 16-July 2, (Monday-Friday), 8 – 8:30 am; 11 am – 12 pm
Ochoa Middle School, 1801 E. Sheppard Street
June 23-July 17, (Monday-Thursday), 8 – 8:30 am; 11:30 am – 12 pm
For additional questions about the Summer Food Service Program, please contact the Pasco Nutrition Services Office at 509-546-2836 or visit the Pasco School District website.
