The beginning of summer is coming near, and the excitement is increasing by the day. Most high schoolers are thrilled to get to spend time with their friends going to water parks or malls. While some students try to figure out how they are going to buy a new swimsuit this summer, other students are anxious to figure out how they are going to fulfill that loud rumble from their stomachs. Iowa governor, Kim Reynolds, decided to cancel the program due to the increasing amount of child obesity happening across the US. Over the past several years, students 18 and under have had the access to free breakfast and lunches through the Summer Meal Program, but with the new development in the law recently, everything has changed.
The project not only helps students in the district, but also students across the city. Molly Pierson has been a Food Service Director for over 15 years. She has been a part of this program and district for over three years. Pierson said, “They [did] not have to fill out any application or registration, and they [did] not have to qualify for free and reduced meals to participate and receive the free meals. Also, they [did] not have to attend school at Marion.” These meals were given to any student who came to the school within certain hours and were within the age requirements. With these new laws, schools are not allowed to provide any type of lunch or breakfast for any student during summer.
Pierson said, “The current District-wide percentage of students that qualify for Free and Reduced is 36.85%. The percentage does not include students who are from other schools, or other cities.” When most people contemplate the idea of this program, many fail to understand the amount of students who utilize the program to get their nutrition. These high schoolers need the program to have their daily consumption of food. With the new regulations, it can decrease children’s mental and physical health.
Although there are many negatives of this new regulation, there is still some hope for these students. Many different churches and or different organizations can still provide meals. The district does supply these resources to anyone who asks and can give them any information on the times or locations. But if these programs are far away from their houses and or living situation, it can be difficult for these children to travel over long distances. Many children find themselves walking or biking to these facilities, so the longer the distance, the harder it is for these students to be able to get their meals. Some examples of churches are Marion Pantry, First Baptist, and Methodist Church. All of these programs assist the Summer Meal Program but are not a substitute for it.
The district has always been such a strong foundation for the community, and with the loss of such a crucial program for everyone, it can be difficult for many. Families that need this program range from many different levels or places, so it was very vital for all of them to be allowed to get breakfast and lunch for any of their kids. With the increase of inflation, everyone is struggling to get back on their feet, and without the Summer Meal Program, the whole community will suffer.
After this story was written, it was announced that the Summer meal program will continue in the district. It will run from June 3 to August 16 every weekday besides July 4-5. It will be hosted in the Starry cafeteria for sit down meals only; no grab and go options will be available. There is no application or restriction for children to be eligible, one just must be 18 years old or younger. Breakfast will be served from 8:30-9:30 a.m., and lunch will be served from 11:30-1 p.m.
