School districts work to stop summer hunger

With school out for the summer local school districts are trying to make sure kids are eating healthy over the break.

In Pocatello, School District 25 feeds all kids under 19 who come by one of eight different locations at parks and schools across the community.

The school district said some children rely on school lunches, and when schools out there’s a risk they can go hungry.

“We know that in the tough economy a lot of times this may be the only meal that some children do receive, a good healthy nutritious lunch every day Monday through Friday,” District 25 Food Service Coordinator Tom Wilson said.

The district uses USDA guidelines to make sure the meals are healthy and has incorporated more fruits vegetables this year.

Those who run the local programs said they get no shortage of thanks.

“It’s amazing the number of kids and parents that come up and thank you on a daily basis for having the program,” Wilson said.

School District 25 plans to provide 150,000 meals this summer.

Click here to find a summer lunch program near you.