Summer Meals Program Helps Children in Need

According to Fairfax County, about 44,000 children receive free and reduced meals during the school year.

Through the Free Summer Food Program for Kids those children, who may not get those meals once the school year ends, can continue to receive consistent and nutritious meals.

The program is available to children ages 4-18, and is federally funded and administered by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Summer Food Service Program.

At meal sites throughout the area, breakfast is served from 8:30-9:30 a.m. and lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Some sites serve only lunch, while others serve both breakfast and lunch. Meals are not served on weekends or on the July 4 holiday.

Participants must be preregistered, though sites designated as “open meal sites” need just three days advance notice for a child to receive a meal. Sites in Herndon and Reston include:

• Herndon Boys and Girls Club  - 13209 Parcher Avenue, Herndon
• Herndon CLCP – 1086 Elden Street, Herndon (lunch only)
• Herndon Middle School – 901 Locust Street, Herndon
• Hutchison Elementary School – 13209 Parcher Avenue, Herndon
• Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church – 2516 Squirrel Hill Road, Herndon
• Southgate Community Center – 12125 Pinecrest Road, Reston
• Cameron Glen Teen Center – 1800 Cameron Glen Drive, Reston
• Cedar Ridge Apartments – 1601 Becon Tree Lane, Reston (lunch only)
• Dogwood Elementary School – 12300 Glade Drive, Reston
• YMCA Fairfax County Reston – 12196 Sunset Hills Road, Reston

Sites are often located at schools, community centers, faith-based organizations, apartment complexes, summer camp sites or government agencies. Sites are approved by USDA’s guidelines and meal sites receive free training and assistance with setting up for and finding volunteers to serve meals.

Meal sites operate between June 22 through September 2, 2011. Meals will include a variety of hot and cold dishes and vegetarian meals.

To learn more about becoming a meal site call 703-324-5330 or email brent.quarles@fairfaxcounty.gov. For more information about the meals program or to take part, call 703-324-5282.