Orangeburg County School District begins summer feeding program for kids, teens in need
ORANGEBURG, S.C. (WIS) - As students are off from school to enjoy the summer break, school districts across the midlands are now launching summer meal programs to help provide kids with meals over the summer break.
“We know that our kids in Orangeburg County is getting fed,” said Rahim El-Amin, Orangeburg Wilkinson High principal.
The Orangeburg County School Districts summer feeding program is entering year 20.
The program is for any child in Orangeburg County ages 18 or younger. It provides a free nutritious breakfast and lunch each day from Monday through Friday. Plus, extra meals are provided on Fridays to get through the weekend.
Angela Robinson, the school district’s Coordinator of Food & Nutrition Services, spoke about the importance of having this program in the district.
”It’s important because all children should have access to healthy meals and a lot of students don’t. Students 18 and under can come to any of the locations and eat. It’s healthy meals and it’s hot meals. Chicken sandwiches, all the fresh fruits and vegetables. It’s important that they get a meal,” said Robinson.
30% of Orangeburg County kids under the age of 18 are living in poverty, according to the US Census Bureau. That’s compared to 19% of kids in the same age category statewide.
El-Amin said that parents should take advantage of this program to not worry about their kids going hungry.
”This is an opportunity that parents can take something off their plate and bring their kids over and send their kids to ensure that they are getting quality meals, healthy meals throughout the summer. Ultimately, it’s gonna impact their education,” said El-Amin.
Robinson said the program began on Monday and is set to end July 11.
The program is available at five locations across the district such as Sheridan Elementary, Bethune Bowman Elementary, Elloree Elementary, Hunter Kinard Tyler High School and Orangeburg Wilkinson High School.
Breakfast is served from 7:30am-8:30am at four of the five locations. Lunch is served from 11am-12 noon at all five locations.
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