In response to school closures stemming from the COVID-19 epidemic, Catholic Charities has already launched its Kids Summer Food program this year with support from the Kansas Department of Education. “The early start provides children access to food during this time of uncertainty,” says Josh Huston, MSW, Special Projects Coordinator.

The Summer Food program focuses on providing nutritious meals to children who utilize the free/reduced-price lunch programs throughout the school year. Otherwise, these same children may not have access to healthy meals. While free/reduced-price lunch data is utilized to determine if an area is eligible for the Summer Food program, all children 18 years old and younger are able to eat a Summer Food meal once the site is approved.

Catholic Charities will continue to operate the program throughout the summer, as originally intended. However, it may look a little different than in years past – such as meals being able to be taken and eaten off-site rather than gathering in a shared space.

“Catholic Charities is proud to step up and do its part to help meet the children’s need for food during this health crisis,” adds Josh.

For more information go to: https://catholiccharitiesks.org/kids-summer-food-program/