AASD summer food service program booming

2024-07-15
AASD summer food service program booming

Altoona School District Sees Surge in Summer Meal Participation

The Altoona Area School District is experiencing a significant increase in the number of students participating in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's summer food service program this year. The program, which provides free daily lunches to children under 18, has seen a nearly 40% jump in participation compared to last year.

Feeding Families, Nourishing Futures

Addressing the Needs of the Community

The Altoona Area School District has been offering the summer food service program for over two decades, providing a vital resource for families in the community. The program aims to ensure that children have access to nutritious meals during the summer months when school is not in session. This year, the district has seen a significant increase in participation, with the number of lunches served nearly doubling compared to June 2023.According to Paula Foreman, the district's community relations director, the increase in participation can be attributed to the uncertain economic climate. "I think this year, the uncertainty of the economy is a factor that improved our numbers," Foreman said. "Parents are saying, 'Get in there and get your lunch.'"The program is open to all children under the age of 18, regardless of their residency within the school district. Foreman noted that the district sometimes sees children who are just out playing in the area and wander into the school to take advantage of the free meals.

Streamlining Operations for Efficiency

In the past, the district had as many as five or six open sites for the summer food service program. However, in an effort to save costs, the district has consolidated the number of locations to three: the Juniata and Pleasant Valley elementary schools, and the Altoona Area Junior High School."At one point, we had Penn Lincoln and the Junior High. It was funny because you would have kids go up there and eat, and then they'd run down here and eat," Foreman said, explaining the decision to consolidate the sites.The district's accountant, Sandy Becker, noted that the costs associated with running the program vary each year due to fluctuating food and labor expenses. However, the federal funding for the program is dependent on student participation, making it a crucial initiative for the district to maintain.

Fostering Family Connections

The summer food service program not only provides nourishment for the children but also serves as a gathering place for families. On Friday, Altoona Area School District students Charlotte Hale, second grade, and Sophia Hale, seventh grade, were seen enjoying their lunch with their grandmother, Mabel Hale of Altoona."We try to do stuff together, and they like to come here," Mabel said. "It's just time for the family."The program has also attracted other families, with some adults choosing to pay for a meal to eat alongside their children. According to Becker, the junior high school location averages between 12 to 15 adult participants per day, which she considers a "pretty good number."

Diverse Participation and Favorite Meals

The summer food service program caters to a wide range of participants, from district students to those who are just passing through the area. AASD sophomores Brooke Emig and Haley Lehman, along with Haley's sixth-grade sister, Madison Lehman, have been regular visitors to the program, enjoying meals such as General Tso's chicken and pizza.City resident Vanessa McClellan and her grandson, Parker Young, 8, also took advantage of the free lunch on Friday, with Parker expressing his preference for the cheesy breadsticks and pizza.The meals served at the program follow the Department of Agriculture's school lunch guidelines, ensuring they contain the necessary nutrients, including protein, fruit, vegetables, bread, and milk. The menu features a variety of kid-friendly options, such as cheeseburgers, hot dogs, pizza, chicken nuggets, corn dogs, and French fries.The Altoona Area School District's commitment to providing nutritious meals and fostering community connections through the summer food service program has been a valuable asset for families in the area. As the program continues to grow in popularity, it serves as a testament to the district's dedication to supporting the well-being and development of its students and the broader community.

Article "tagged" as:

Related Article

195 Cute Cat Names

195 Cute Cat Names

If you've welcomed a new cat into your home and they need a name, try giving them one of these cute names, including cute names for girl cats, boy cats, orange cats, gray cats, and more.
Luxating Patella in Cats

Luxating Patella in Cats

Luxating patella is an orthopedic condition that affects cats' knees. Learn the causes, treatment, and prevention.
Salivary Mucocele in Dogs

Salivary Mucocele in Dogs

A salivary mucocele, also called a sialocele, causes swelling near a dog's salivary glands and may cause a lump under the chin or on the neck near the jaw. Learn the causes, treatment, and prevention of salivary mucoceles in dogs.
Folliculitis in Dogs

Folliculitis in Dogs

Folliculitis is a common skin condition in dogs. Learn the causes, treatment, and prevention.
Is Baking Soda Bad for Cats?

Is Baking Soda Bad for Cats?

Baking soda has many common household uses and may help with cat odors, but how much is safe to use around cats?
Can Dogs Eat Parmesan Cheese?

Can Dogs Eat Parmesan Cheese?

It's no secret that dogs love cheese, but what kinds of cheese should you avoid? Is Parmesan cheese a good option to treat your pup to?
Can Dogs Eat Pistachios?

Can Dogs Eat Pistachios?

Dogs can eat pistachios, but only if they're plain and served in moderation. In other cases, pistachios can be harmful for dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Cheese?

Can Dogs Eat Cheese?

A popular training tool, cheese is OK for most dogs to enjoy on special occasions...but there are some exceptions.
Snowshoe Cat: Breed Profile, Characteristics & Care

Snowshoe Cat: Breed Profile, Characteristics & Care

The snowshoe cat, a mix of the American shorthair and Siamese, is a smart and affectionate pet that loves company. Learn about the snowshoe cat breed, including temperament, appearance, and care needs.
Bearded Collie: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care

Bearded Collie: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care

Learn about bearded collies, energetic and intelligent dogs known for their herding skills and bearded faces that earned the nickname "beardies."
How to Plant a Border Garden that Will Add Color to Your Landscape

How to Plant a Border Garden that Will Add Color to Your Landscape

Learn how to create a vibrant border garden that will compliment your landscape and provide visual appeal of completeness.
Are Petunias Perennials or Annuals? Plus Tips for Getting Tons of Flowers

Are Petunias Perennials or Annuals? Plus Tips for Getting Tons of Flowers

Are petunias perennials that come back each year? The answer is yes and no, depending on your climate. Find out how to grow petunias as annuals or perennials.
How to Plant and Grow Golden Bamboo

How to Plant and Grow Golden Bamboo

Learn how to grow golden bamboo, a perennial often used for outdoor privacy. Unfortunately, it can be invasive, so be careful where you plant it.
How to Plant and Grow Camellia

How to Plant and Grow Camellia

Learn to plant and grow camellia, the Southern belles of the plant world. These evergreen shrubs bear beautiful blooms during the colder months.
This Daylily-Filled Garden Plan Lets You Flaunt Your Favorites

This Daylily-Filled Garden Plan Lets You Flaunt Your Favorites

Combine daylily varieties of your choice with other reliable plants for tons of carefree color.
29 Flower Pot Ideas for Stunning Mixes of Blooms and Foliage

29 Flower Pot Ideas for Stunning Mixes of Blooms and Foliage

Use these flower pot ideas for beautiful combinations to brighten up your porch, patio, or other spots that need a boost of color.
Which Types of Garlic Are Best to Grow in Your Garden?

Which Types of Garlic Are Best to Grow in Your Garden?

Hardneck or softneck? Here’s what to know about different types of garlic and how to grow them.
When Is the Best Time to Mow Your Lawn?

When Is the Best Time to Mow Your Lawn?

Take the guesswork out of deciding when to mow your lawn with our easy-to-follow tips.
How to Start a Garden: 10 Easy Steps for Beginners

How to Start a Garden: 10 Easy Steps for Beginners

This step-by-step guide explains how to start a garden for beginners. It covers all the basics you need to know, including what to plant, prepping soil, and care tips.
How to Get Rid of Pokeweed in Your Yard

How to Get Rid of Pokeweed in Your Yard

Although this plant is native to parts of North America, pokeweed is still an aggressive, toxic plant you may not want around. Use these tips to safely eliminate pokeweed from your garden.