Altoona School District Sees Surge in Summer Meal Participation

The Altoona Area School District is experiencing a significant increase in the number of students participating in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's summer food service program this year. The program, which provides free daily lunches to children under 18, has seen a nearly 40% jump in participation compared to last year.

Feeding Families, Nourishing Futures

Addressing the Needs of the Community

The Altoona Area School District has been offering the summer food service program for over two decades, providing a vital resource for families in the community. The program aims to ensure that children have access to nutritious meals during the summer months when school is not in session. This year, the district has seen a significant increase in participation, with the number of lunches served nearly doubling compared to June 2023.According to Paula Foreman, the district's community relations director, the increase in participation can be attributed to the uncertain economic climate. "I think this year, the uncertainty of the economy is a factor that improved our numbers," Foreman said. "Parents are saying, 'Get in there and get your lunch.'"The program is open to all children under the age of 18, regardless of their residency within the school district. Foreman noted that the district sometimes sees children who are just out playing in the area and wander into the school to take advantage of the free meals.

Streamlining Operations for Efficiency

In the past, the district had as many as five or six open sites for the summer food service program. However, in an effort to save costs, the district has consolidated the number of locations to three: the Juniata and Pleasant Valley elementary schools, and the Altoona Area Junior High School."At one point, we had Penn Lincoln and the Junior High. It was funny because you would have kids go up there and eat, and then they'd run down here and eat," Foreman said, explaining the decision to consolidate the sites.The district's accountant, Sandy Becker, noted that the costs associated with running the program vary each year due to fluctuating food and labor expenses. However, the federal funding for the program is dependent on student participation, making it a crucial initiative for the district to maintain.

Fostering Family Connections

The summer food service program not only provides nourishment for the children but also serves as a gathering place for families. On Friday, Altoona Area School District students Charlotte Hale, second grade, and Sophia Hale, seventh grade, were seen enjoying their lunch with their grandmother, Mabel Hale of Altoona."We try to do stuff together, and they like to come here," Mabel said. "It's just time for the family."The program has also attracted other families, with some adults choosing to pay for a meal to eat alongside their children. According to Becker, the junior high school location averages between 12 to 15 adult participants per day, which she considers a "pretty good number."

Diverse Participation and Favorite Meals

The summer food service program caters to a wide range of participants, from district students to those who are just passing through the area. AASD sophomores Brooke Emig and Haley Lehman, along with Haley's sixth-grade sister, Madison Lehman, have been regular visitors to the program, enjoying meals such as General Tso's chicken and pizza.City resident Vanessa McClellan and her grandson, Parker Young, 8, also took advantage of the free lunch on Friday, with Parker expressing his preference for the cheesy breadsticks and pizza.The meals served at the program follow the Department of Agriculture's school lunch guidelines, ensuring they contain the necessary nutrients, including protein, fruit, vegetables, bread, and milk. The menu features a variety of kid-friendly options, such as cheeseburgers, hot dogs, pizza, chicken nuggets, corn dogs, and French fries.The Altoona Area School District's commitment to providing nutritious meals and fostering community connections through the summer food service program has been a valuable asset for families in the area. As the program continues to grow in popularity, it serves as a testament to the district's dedication to supporting the well-being and development of its students and the broader community.