Food service program expects 125,000 kids this summer

The Pocatello-Chubbuck School District will be providing lunch services all summer long for students for the 16th year in a row. According to the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), food services of School District 25, students under the age of 18 can receive a free lunch, regardless of income.

Tom Wilson set up the kickoff Thursday at Caldwell Park in Pocatello. The food service trucks were there, numerous organizations, food, parents and their children as well. Children played kickball, among many other games.

“I think this is a way for kids and parents to relax this summer, making it easier for both of them. It’s a way for parents to get away from their busy lives for a while and take their children to the park,” said Wilson, Food Service Coordinator.

The school district expects 2,000 students a day this summer, and up to 125,000 students by the end of summer. Wilson says the lunch program is provided to students to continue good nutrition all summer long, and return to school in the Fall ready to learn.

“We’re planning to incorporate some games and fun for the families as well, during our summer lunch services. We’ll be serving well-balanced meals, along with fruits and veggies.”

The SFSP was first created as part of a larger pilot program in 1968and became a separate program in 1975. More than 2.28 million children participated at almost 39,000 sites in the summer of 2012.

For more information on the summer menu, and where lunch services will be given this summer, visit this link.