SYRACUSE, N. Y. —The Syracuse City School District is one of several districts in the state offering free breakfasts and lunches to students this summer.
The school district just unveiled its summer meal program at Burnet Park on Monday. The program runs Monday through Friday at various locations throughout the city of Syracuse during the summer.
The need for healthy and affordable food is expanding in central New York State, especially for children. According to information recently released through Feeding America, in the 11 counties covered by CNY’s food bank, children’s lack of trust in food has dropped from one in 8 to one in six in just one year.
In addition to the free meals, there will be a giveaway of new products at one of the sites for students to take home with their families, donated through the Central Food Bank of New York.
“Families will take home new fruits and vegetables to feed not only their children but also themselves,” said Karen Belcher, executive director of the CNY food bank.
However, the top charge of food affects everyone, even food banks. Belcher said inflation has raised some of his charges by 10 to 20 percent.
They need to ease the same burden that many families face.
Despite the emerging costs, Belcher said thanks in part to network components, they can supply the food neighbors want, which she and other leaders say is vitally important.
“If our kids are hungry, they’re going to have a hard time laughing and playing with their friends in the summer, and they’re going to have a hard time learning when they’re in school,” Mayor Ben Walsh said.
“The city as a whole cares about feeding young people and their futures and that’s how we come together to make sure no child goes hungry,” said Rachel Viens, director of food and nutrition for the Syracuse City School District.
This year, youth will receive a choice of takeout or on-site dining.
Meals will be served at 38 other locations across the city, Monday through Friday, through Aug. 16. For the full schedule of when and where you can pick up loose meals, click here.