SOUTHEAST SEATTLE – This week, Seattle’s Human Services Department kicks off its Summer Food Service Program, which offers free nutritious meals and snacks for kids and teens throughout the summer.

The program will provide thousands of Seattle children ages 1 through 18 with free breakfasts, lunches and snacks this summer at approved sites where at least half the children are eligible for free or reduced price school lunches.

The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), formerly known as Summer Sack Lunch, is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and was established in 1968 to respond to growing research that correlated a child’s nutrition with academic success and concerns about the lack of nutrition resources for children during the summer months. The City of Seattle has participated in the program since the early 1970s.

The program runs from Wed., June 27 through Aug. 26, Monday through Friday, at approximately 100 sites across the city, including quite a few in Southeast Seattle. Locations include designated community centers, Seattle park playgrounds, Boys and Girls Clubs, YMCAs and YWCAs, and other community sites throughout Seattle and parts of King County.

There will be a celebration to mark the start of the 2012 program on Tues., June 26, from noon to 1 p.m. at Jefferson Community Center (3801 Beacon Ave. S.). The event will feature a brief ceremony, free lunches for attendees, and music from the Seattle Fandango Project. Several elected officials, including Deputy Mayor Darryl Smith, City Councilmember Nick Licata and others are expected to attend.

Photo/Rainier Valley Post