Schools provide summer meals

“We don’t get a lot of people — even though it’s open to the public — that participate,” said Christie Harris, contact for the summer meals program at Mid Valley.

About eight years ago, they opened satellite sites at May Street and in the apartments behind Rosauers, but no one attended May Street, and only about five people attended the apartments. Harris has found that summer meals programs are much more effective when they involve another event, such as the Migrant Summer School.

“It’s not very successful when kids just come for the meal,” she said.

This year, she estimates that about 2-12 people attend from outside the summer school each day. Meals are prepared on-site the day they are served, and Mid Valley will continue offering these meals until July 23. People are encouraged to “just show up and eat.”

Every day, children can choose between a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a deli sandwich or the one other entrée that is featured that day. Additional entrées throughout the month include pizza, chicken burgers and popcorn chicken. Along with the entrée, fresh fruits and veggies are provided, and sometimes a dessert such as a fudge bar or cookie is included.