Kids eat free: 'There are kids that this could be their only meal'
By Kim Quintero KVAL NewsSPRINGFIELD, Ore. - Nearly 20 million children nationwide get free or reduced-price lunches from their schools. That's an all time high according to data released this year by the US Food and Nutrition Service. A well-rounded lunch can be hard to come by, especially if you're one of the many families struggling in this economy. "Worked at metal products for a couple of years, been laid off there, so doing daycare now just to make it," said Diana Lane. Lane brought her six kids out to Centennial Elementary in Springfield Monday afternoon, knowing they wouldn't leave hungry. That's because FOOD for Lane County is kicking off their Summer Food Program, an effort designed to provide free lunch to kids between the ages of 2 and 18. About 59 sites in Lane County will be hosting the event Mondays through Fridays during summer break.
"It's crucial, because there are kids that this could be their only meal," said Marcia Freeman, a volunteer with FOOD for Lane county. According to the non-profit, half to three quarters of a child's daily calories come from school lunches, but only 30 percent of those who qualify for free lunch are actually taking advantage of this program. Freeman is hoping word spreads. "Especially in this time, when we're going through the recession, and a lot of families are having a lot of hard times," said Freeman. According to data from FOOD for Lane County, one in five children are living in poverty, and because the need for assistance is so high, Freeman said donations are needed to keep these tummies full. | Learn how to take part |
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