ATLANTA—The City of Atlanta announced the launch of its annual Summer Food Program.
The initiative is a partnership between the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning’s Bright from the Start program which provides nutritious meals to children in low-income areas during the summer months. Meals are provided at participating City recreation centers through Camp Best Friends as well as other partner locations.
The food program kicks off June 5, 2023 and ends July 29, 2023. The Atlanta-based project serves breakfast and lunch onsite to school-aged children up to age 18.
“For more than 45 years, the City has partnered with Bright from the Start to ensure Atlanta students have nutritious meals throughout the summer break,” said Mayor Andre Dickens. “Food insecurity in underserved communities has created a need for this program, and I thank the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning, the Department of Parks and Recreation and everyone else who helps us stand in the gap for Atlanta families.”
Children who are enrolled in Camp Best Friends participate in the Summer Food Program automatically. Open enrollment in the Bright from the Start program is available at partner participants including several nonprofit organizations, libraries and places of worship.
A complete list of providers can be found at the following link: https://www.atlantaga.gov/government/departments/parks-recreation/summer-food-program-on-wheels.
To provide greater accessibility for families without transportation, the Summer Food Program will continue the Mobile Feeding Program on Wheels.
The City of Atlanta has partnered with Bright from the Start Summer Food Program since 1975.
Federally funded, the collaboration serves as a valuable resource to communities where food insecurity and accessibility threaten the wellbeing of families. This summer, the program aims to serve an average of 3,000 meals daily, totaling more than 150,000 meals by summer’s end.
To locate a food program site, parents or guardians may call 404.546.3122 or go online and enter their zip code at https://www.decal.ga.gov/Nutrition/Search.aspx to find the nearest service provider. Hours vary by location.
For more information, contact Recreation Program Supervisor, Shelby N. Beverly at 404.546.6782 or snbeverly@atlantaga.gov.
Original source can be found here.
