[quote style=”2″]Head Start Serving Free Lunches to Children 18 and Younger[/quote]
A free lunch program funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture will begin June 8 and run through Aug. 14 at the Umatilla-Morrow Head Start office in Hermiston.
All children under the age of 18 are welcome to attend, regardless of income level. Lunches will be served Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The lunch program will be held in the yard area next to the Head Start Administrative offices at 110 N.E. Fourth St., in Hermiston. Parking is available on Main Street.
The menu is focused on nutritional food, and will appeal to a variety of appetites. Upcoming menu items include turkey roll-ups, Hawaiian chicken wraps, and whole grain pizza wraps. The classic peanut butter sandwich gets a healthy boost by adding fresh crushed berries.
“We want to keep kids fueled and healthy for all their summer activities,” said Angie Treadwell, Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Services Director for Umatilla Morrow Head Start.
The intent of the program is to provide a nutritious meal when school is not in session, and school lunch programs are not available. The USDA distributes funding to the states, and in Oregon, it is administered through the Oregon Department of Education. USDA began the program as a pilot project in 1968.
“Summer is a critical time to enhance children’s academic and physical well-being and we also know that children are at a higher risk of both obesity and hunger,” said Executive Director Maureen McGrath, “and summer meal programs like this provide an important source of nutritious food for children and youth during this time.”
For questions and comments, please contact Treadwell at 541-564-6878 or McGrath at 541-571-5596.
