News Summary
Greenwood County School District 50 has served over 124,000 meals to children this summer, aiming to alleviate child hunger during school break. The flexible meal pickup program ensures every child under 18 years old has access to nutritious meals, prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Families can collect meals weekly at Emerald High School, reflecting the district’s commitment to supporting families in need.
Greenwood, South Carolina – This summer, Greenwood County School District 50 has made impressive strides in combating child hunger, serving 124,341 meals to children in the community. The initiative aims to provide nutritious meals to support families during the summer months when school is not in session.
Each child participating in the program receives a full week’s worth of breakfasts and lunches at Emerald High School. Every meal includes a balanced selection of milk, proteins, whole grains, vegetables, and fresh fruits, ensuring that children receive the nutrients they need for healthy development.
The summer meal program operates as a non-congregate pickup program, designed for all children 18 and younger, regardless of their home location within the district. This flexible approach allows parents to collect meals every Thursday, even if their children are not present, making it easier for families to access essential food resources.
This program originated in March 2020 in response to COVID-19-related school closures, with the USDA allowing meal distribution outside of traditional settings for high-need areas to combat food insecurity. The initiative targets communities where more than 65% of district students qualify for free or reduced lunch, enabling the district to provide these meals at no cost to families.
Greenwood County School District 50 takes part in the USDA-funded Seamless Summer Meal Program, which is dedicated to ensuring children aged 18 and younger have access to nutritious meals over the summer break. Amy Stabler, the director of child nutrition for District 50, stated the importance of meeting students’ basic needs through such programs to ensure they are ready to learn when school resumes in the fall.
Meals are prepared over a three-day timeframe leading up to the weekly Thursday distribution, allowing staff to streamline the preparation process. The program emphasizes local agriculture by utilizing locally grown produce, such as watermelons, cantaloupes, and strawberries, in the meals served to children. This not only supports the nutritional needs of the children but also bolsters the local farming economy in South Carolina.
Feedback from families has indicated significant appreciation for the meals provided through this program, with many expressing reliance on the service to help alleviate the challenges of providing food during the summer months when regular school meals are unavailable. Volunteer staff from various schools contribute their time to support the program, fostering a sense of cooperation across the district.
The final two distribution days for this summer meal program are scheduled for July 3 and July 10, from 8 to 10 a.m. at Emerald High School. Families are encouraged to complete a simple form in advance to facilitate meal preparation, ensuring an efficient and smooth distribution process.
Additionally, No Kid Hungry South Carolina has awarded $245,305 in grants to 17 nonprofits throughout the state, including Greenwood School District 50, to further support summer meal initiatives aimed at combating child hunger. The overarching goal of these collaborative efforts is to ensure children remain nourished and ready to engage in their education when school resumes.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Lexington County School District Three Appoints New Director of Child Nutrition
Greenwood County Adult Education Center Celebrates Success
Additional Resources
- Index Journal: Hunger Doesn’t Take a Summer Break
- Wikipedia: Child Hunger
- Greenville Journal: No Kid Hungry Grants
- Google Search: Child Hunger Initiatives
- WSPA: Greenwood School District 50 Hires New Superintendent
- Google Scholar: Child Nourishment Programs
- Fox Carolina: Upstate School E-Learning Day Announcement
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Food Security
- WYFF: Greenwood School District 50 Superintendent Retirement
- Google News: Greenwood School District
