United Way of St. Charles Supports 2017 Summer Food Program
United Way of St. Charles has provided $6,000 in supplemental support of the St. Charles Parish Department of Community Services’ 2017 Summer Food Program. The Summer Food Program provides nutritious, hot meals to youth throughout St. Charles Parish during the summer months over three sites in the parish: St. Rose Elementary, Luling Elementary and E.J. Landry Alternative School.
“Although we have been able to reduce the cost through a reduction in staff, with the steady growth in this vital service, there has been a corresponding rise in operational costs,” stated Joan Diaz, St. Charles Parish Department of Community Services Director.
“The funding United Way of St. Charles has provided will assist us with the resources needed to sustain this vital service to youth throughout St. Charles Parish.”
Children living in isolated communities receive transportation to access the meals, as well as structure and supervision during the meal and program activities (board games, educational worksheets, etc) that allows for positive social interaction with peers and adult role models.
The Summer Food Program fills a gap for latchkey children who may be home alone while their parents are at work or fills a belly for a child who may be living in circumstances where there is food insecurity in the home. Last year, over 8,000 meals were served to children and qualified adults in St. Charles Parish.
“Tackling childhood hunger is a major concern for us at United Way of St. Charles,” stated UWSC Executive Director, John Dias. “Throughout the school year we provide meals and snacks weekly to children in St. Charles Parish Public Schools through our Backpack Program. Continuing to provide access to nutritious options for students throughout the summer was a natural next step for us.”
United Way of St. Charles is a non-profit organization working to create lasting changes in St. Charles Parish by funding local agencies and developing programs that target education, income and health.