Summer meals to be served at schools

The school year is over, but the cafeteria will remain open in Cape Girardeau.

To prevent impoverished children -- those who normally receive a free or reduced-price lunch during the school year -- from going hungry over the summer, meals will continue to be served.

The district will offer breakfast and lunch for free at Blanchard Elementary, 1829 Sprigg St., and Central Middle School, 1900 Thilenius St., during summer school. The program runs today through June 20. Anyone 18 or younger can receive a meal, regardless of whether they are attending summer school or are enrolled in the district.

"Before the food was provided by the East Missouri Action Agency, but last year the summer program became large enough for us to do in-house," said Lisa Elfrink, the district's coordinator of nutrition services.

Funding comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Summer Food Service Program. The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education administers the program. According to the USDA's Web site, the current reimbursement rate is $1.73 for each breakfast served and $3.04 for each lunch served, which includes operating and administrative costs.

Elfrink estimates the district will serve about 200 students at Blanchard and 110 at the middle school this year. Meals will also be provided at the junior high, the alternative education center and the high school during summer school, but enrollment for these schools is not open because not enough students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. Students there will pay the price they normally pay during the school year.

Breakfast will be served from 7:30 to 8 a.m. at Blanchard and the middle school. Lunch is from 11 to 11:45 a.m. at Blanchard and from 11 to 11:20 a.m. at the middle school.

Last year, four people not enrolled in summer school ate for free, Elfrink said. She said transportation may be a barrier preventing some students from attending.

Adults may eat at the schools for $2. Menus will be available on the district's Web site, www.cape.k12.mo.us.

In Jackson, summer school will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday from June 2 to 26. Locations are South Elementary, Orchard Elementary and Jackson Middle School. Jackson Junior High and the Jackson High School will hold summer school Monday through Friday as well. Breakfast and lunch will be served at regular price.

The East Missouri Action Agency, a not-for-profit corporation, will prepare meals for several organizations over the summer. Food will primarily be served to summer school or camp participants, but is available for free to nonparticipants younger than 18 as well.

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services funds the program. Adults can purchase remaining meals for $1.

Cape Girardeau agencies served are:

• The Boys and Girls Club, which hosts a camp from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday from June 9 to July 31 at 1913 Whitener St. Lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., except on July 4, 7, 23 and 24. The cost of the camp is $25 a month. Activities include swimming, sign language lessons, games, training on resisting peer pressure and fishing. For more information, call 335-7141.
• The Family Resource Center, which runs a camp from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday from June 30 to Aug. 7 at 1202 S. Sprigg St. Breakfast is served from 8 to 9:15 a.m. Lunch is served from noon to 12:45 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Thursday, except July 4. The cost of the camp is $5 per week per child; assistance may be available. Activities include music, dance, games, crafts, sports, health and a focus on reading. For more information, call 334-8170.
• The Salvation Army, which runs a camp from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays from June 2 to July 25 at 701 Good Hope St. Lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. starting June 9, except July 4. The cost of the camp is $50 for the eight-week program. Activities include swimming, movies, life skills training, and a visit to fire and police departments. For more information, call 335-7000.
• The East Missouri Action Agency, which will serve lunch from a pavilion at Washington Park at Washington Avenue and Middle Street from 12:30 to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday from July 9 to Aug. 7. The site is closed July 4.

lbavolek@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 123

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