Sunday, September 7, 2008

Tyler

Posted on Tuesday, June 10, 2008

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East Texas Food Bank Begins Providing Free Lunch For Children

Staff Photo By Jaime R. Carrero

Under Secretary of the Department of Agriculture Nancy Johner assists serving lunch to children on the opening day of the East Texas Food Bank Summer Food Program on Monday at Cole Park.

By CINDY MALLETTE
Staff Writer

Sasha Perkins waited in line among nearly 40 children and their parents at the East Texas Food Bank’s lunch line at Cole Park on Monday.

Ms. Perkins held her young daughter on her hip while her son ran ahead in line, anxious to get a tray of baked chicken, carrots, milk, juice and — most important — ice cream sherbet.

“This is a big help for my family budget,” Ms. Perkins said.

She’s taken advantage of the Food Bank’s Summer Food Service Program for the past six years, and it provides more than just a free lunch and activities for her children.

Staff Photo By Jaime R. Carrero

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples gets a high five from one the children at the East Texas Food Bank Summer Food Service Program at Cole Park on Monday.The ETFB provides free meals at 31 sites throughout the summer.

“It gives me a little bit of a break from them,” she said, laughing.

The Food Service Program provides free nutritious meals and activities to children ages 18 and under at 31 sites throughout East Texas. It’s designed to help children in low-income areas get the nutrition they need to learn, play and grow throughout the summer months, said Robert Bush, executive director for the East Texas Food Bank.

“The meals served during the Summer Food Service Program ensure that East Texas children receive a well-balanced meal each day,” he said.

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples was on-hand to help kick off the first day of the Summer Food Service Program. He said that children from low-income families usually get free or reduced breakfasts and lunches during the school year, but they don’t necessarily get a nutritious meal during summer vacation.

Staff Photo By Jaime R. Carrero

Children eat lunch at Cole Park.

“Hunger does not take the summer off,” he said. “We need to do everything in our power to make sure our children don’t go hungry during the summer. We also need to ensure they stay active and eat right so we can win the war on childhood obesity.”

Two members of The Power Team, a group of world-class athletes who travel to schools and churches speaking about healthy lifestyle choices, gave a strength demonstration to the kids at the park.

In between ripping up phone books, bending steel bars and snapping wooden baseball bats in two, Power Team members talked about saying “no” to drugs and unhealthy choices and saying “yes” to smart decisions, healthy foods and exercise. Their motto is “Eat Smart and Play Hard.”

U.S. Department of Agricul-ture Undersecretary Nancy Johner said the Summer Food Service Program is one of the most under-utilized programs funded by the U.S. government. She applauded the East Texas Food Bank for providing the service to the 26-county region and said more than 160,000 meals will be served in this area during the summer months.

“You are among the top five food banks who use this program in the nation,” she said as she awarded a plaque of recognition to East Texas Food Bank representatives.

For more information on the Summer Food Service Program, locations, hours of operation, and free transportation in your area, call 2-1-1 or visit www.easttexasfoodbank.org.

The Food Bank offers free meals at 15 locations in Tyler, including:

Andrew’s Park, 1325 E. Richards

Dates: June 9 – Aug. 28, M-F

Lunch: 12 – 1 p.m.

Boys and Girls Club of East Texas, 504 W. 32nd St.

Dates: June 9 – Aug. 22, M-F

Breakfast: 7:30 – 9 a.m.

Lunch: 12 – 1:30 p.m.

City Park, 200 W. Queen St.