Lunch program has made an impact

Even though the Summer Food Service Program will be ending Friday in Jay County, the impact provided by local schools will last longer for the kids who received services.

Jay School Corporation participated with five elementary schools in the program, which is a federal initiative that offers low-income children the opportunity receive nutritional meals along with educational opportunities while school is not in session. Anyone age 18 or younger was eligible to participate with no income requirements or registration.

Since starting in 2010, Jay School Corporation Food Service Director Karmella VanSkyock said more than 500 local children have been provided with lunch and snacks. Last year, 12,150 lunches were served.

“The numbers just seem to increase every year,” VanSkyock said. “It has been amazing. We have never had a year where we have seen any kind of decrease, which is good because the need for this type of service only seems to increase in our community.”

Cindy Myers, General Shanks Elementary site supervisor, has worked on a daily basis at the school organizing and serving meals this summer. During her time on staff, she said she personally witnessed the need for meals from children who come from low income backgrounds.

“Some kids do come in and it’s their only meal for the day,” Myers said.

This is a growing trend across the state as Indiana was ranked 23rd in the nation for its percentage of low-income children who participate in summer nutrition programs, according to a report by the Food Research and Action Center. Last year more than 68,000 children took part in summer meal programs.

“These programs are very important to the children and parents,” VanSkyock said. “Everyone here comes from different backgrounds, but what’s important is that we can ensure that every child gets a good, hot meal.”

But it’s more than just food to VanSkyock and the parents who take advantage of the program.