FacebookTwitterYouTubeInstagramLinkedIn

FAMILY STRENGTHENING

Kids Summer Food Program

Kids Summer Food Program2020-10-14T13:25:49-05:00

The information below reflects our standard operation procedure; it does not apply during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thank you.

School’s Out. Food’s Out.

Five years ago, when we launched the Kids Summer Food program, Kansas ranked last at feeding school children who depend on free or reduced price lunch over the summer months?  That meant over 185,000 children residing in the state qualified for free or reduced-priced school lunches, but sadly only 7% of these kids had access to summer lunch programs.

Catholic Charities operates the Kids Summer Food Program in partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Kansas Department of Education serving over 16,100 meals last year.  Children, up to 18 years of age, receive FREE nutritious sack lunches during the summer months. Feeding sites are held at community places such as libraries, parks and local swimming pools.  Local volunteers are instrumental to the success of the program, helping with the distribution of meals.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

The Catholic Charities Kids Summer Food Program provides free, nutritious meals and snacks to help children in low-income areas get the nutrition they need to learn, play, and grow, throughout the summer months.

Catholic Charities provides free meals and with the support of local volunteers serves healthy meals to kids. Community partners welcome children of all ages for free lunches. Some of our partners include, libraries, community centers, parks and swimming pools.

Open sites operate in areas where at least half of the children come from families with incomes at or below 185% of the federal poverty level, making them eligible for free and reduced-price school meals. Meals are served free to any child at an open site.

Children 18 years and younger may receive free meals and snacks through the Kids Summer Food Program.

Children receive one meal each day.

The program was designed with the intention of filling nutrition gaps to make sure children receive the nutrition they need. As a result, working parents know their children are at a safe place and hunger-free – even when school is out.

To provide a safe, clean space for children to enjoy lunch up to five days a week.

Activities have been shown to increase attendance, provide a safe place for kids and encourage additional learning during the summer. We hope that the children will feel welcome to attend each day and that the activities will draw a larger audience.

  • Spread the word. Write to your local newspaper about the community event in your area, be sure to include site location and time.
  • Be an activity supporter. Collect books, soccer balls, chalk and other craft items, then donate them to the Kids Summer Food Program, this will ensure we have fun activities for the kids.
  • Volunteer at a feeding site near you!
  • Donate to keep kids happy and healthy this summer!

CONTACT INFORMATION

Administrative Offices:

9720 West 87th Street
Overland Park, KS 66212

Phone:
913-433-2100

PARENT INFORMATION

If you are a family looking for support with summer food we are here to help!

  • The Kids Summer Food Program feeds children for FREE; no income requirements or registration is required!
  • The Kids Summer Food Program is in partnership with the USDA and the Kansas Department of Education.
  • The meal provides healthy food options for your child and is approved by the USDA.
  • Each site has fun, kid-friendly activities, including games, crafts and books.
  • Parents who accompany their children are also eligible to receive a free lunch.

We look forward to seeing you and your children at the Kids Summer Food Program as we enjoy the summer with activities, food and fun!  No sign up necessary, or ID required. Children up to 18 years of age are welcome to eat for FREE!

For questions about Catholic Charities Kids Summer Food Program please call: 913-433-2100 or email info@catholiccharitiesks.org

The Kids Summer Food Program is an equal opportunity provider.

More on Kids Summer Food

Kids Summer Food Program Begins Early

With the recent school closures, Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas has begun the Kids Summer Food Program early. Children up to 18 years of age can receive FREE sack lunches by coming [...]

Summer Food Program Partners with Rural Libraries

While food and drink might be frowned upon at some libraries, it certainly wasn’t the case this summer at the Pottawatomie Wabaunsee Regional Library in St. Marys, Kansas. There the staff encouraged eating -- handing [...]

Feeding Minds and Bellies

For the past three years, the staff and children at the St. Marys library have participated in the Summer Food Service Program, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and designed to [...]

Summertime is Hungry Time — Please Help

Originally posted on The Leaven by Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org Summertime is a lean time at the eight Emergency Assistance Center food pantries operated by Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas. The demand for food goes [...]

Denise Ogilvie Lends Voice to Summer Food Issues

 A special shout-out to our own Denise Ogilvie, Vice President of Outreach and Grants Management, who testified before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. She discussed the vital role that the summer [...]

© Copyright 2012-- Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas.
All Rights Reserved

   

M25: Mercy Multiplied

Our mission follows the Gospel of Matthew, verse 25: “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.”

As a monthly donor to Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, you have the opportunity to receive a free t-shirt for yourself and another member of your household.

We will be in touch once you sign up. Questions? Please reach out to Gary Pratt, gpratt@catholiccharitiesks.org