America’s economic woes are affecting broad swaths of the population, with headlines detailing everything from the common man’s anger at rising gas prices to spiraling rates of depression among affluent professionals faced with volatile markets. Yet as the nation prepares to weather uncertain times, it is easy to overlook those who are most likely to be severely hit by an economic downturn – already vulnerable low income households, and particularly their children.
In response to the increased needs of the hour, the Hunger Action Network, a statewide anti-hunger coalition, has expanded its federally funded Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) in the City of Poughkeepsie. The SFSP offers free breakfasts and lunches for kids 18 and under during the months when school meals are not available.
“It’s a real easy program,” says Veda Myers, Hudson Valley Economic Security Coordinator for the Hunger Action Network. “No registration or proof of citizenship required. Any child under 18 can just show up and get a free breakfast or lunch.”
The sites have been increased to five from two last year. They are:
• The Family Partnership Center, 29 North Hamilton St.
• New Hope Community Center, 104 Hudson Ave.
• The Salvation Army, 19 Pershing Ave.
• The YMCA, 35 Montgomery St.
• Joshua’s Education Christian Program, 54 Noxon St.
Although 70 percent of those in need avail themselves of school lunch programs, only 8 percent participated in the SFSP last year. Myers says this was due to a lack of awareness of the program, and is determined that it not be repeated this year.
“Our goal is to really get the word out so that no child goes hungry,” she said. “You really see a jump in the number of people going without meals, as rising food costs affect even staple foods and food stamps don’t go as far. This cannot be allowed to affect kid’s nutritional needs.”
To not only spread the word about the program, but also ensure that kids understand that eating right is just as important as not skipping meals during the crucial years when they are growing up, a kick-off event was held at the Family Partnership Center on July 15. Participants engaged in nutritional education activities, such as a food pyramid pinata, tasting samples of healthy meals with all of the ingredients and their importance explained to the children, and milk tastings to help them distinguish different qualities of dairy products. All of these educational sessions were conceived by the Cornell Cooperative Extension, Dutchess County, an outreach program of the university which engages in agricultural projects involving youth.
All of the dozens of kids who attended the kickoff received free nutritious meals, and 15 went home with prizes from a free raffle, including books, toys, sporting goods and karate lessons donated by local businessmen. In addition, free ice cream was served.
Myers says that the first week of the program has gone well, with 500 free meals being served daily. But she stresses that spreading the word is necessary to keep up the momentum.
“This is a really good program to ensure that during the summer, kids get fed,” she said. “No one should miss out on it just because they’re not aware of it.”
Further information on the Summer Food Service Program can be obtained by calling 454-3792.