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Expanded Initiatives Seek to Address Childhood Hunger & Nutrion Among Houston Area Students

Posted byHoumanitarian

HISD school meals 03-22-13Cicely Mitchell, CBS Radio Houston
Several HISD school campuses are now serving free dinner to students.

According to officials with HISD, many students spend most of their day at school and are not given the opportunity to receive the nutrition they need for their well being. HISD realized this need and is meeting it with the offering of free dinner meals throughout HISD Schools.

HISD, the largest public school system in Texas and the seventh-largest in the United States, has partnered with the 21st Century Community Learning Center program to serve the free meals at several campuses to ensure students receive healthy and nutritious meals on a regular basis.

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(Chron.com)

District officials see the latest endeavor as one that is beneficial for students beyond measure: “For some children, these dinner meals may be the only meal they eat until the next school day so this program will strive to provide them the proper nutrition they need for a healthy development,” said Jonnelle Hollins, manager of HISD after-school programs. “Offering free dinner at school will ensure that thousands of students have access to the recommended three meals a day.”

The newly implemented free dinner program allows any child under the age of 18 to eat a free, healthy dinner at 32 HISD campuses during the school week. “All the meals served meet the nutrition requirements established by USDA’s Child and Adult Care Food Program,” added officials with HISD.

“HISD’s Food Services receives federal reimbursements for the meals served. Participating schools are required to offer after-school activities and service at-risk populations.”
(More of this story at CBS Houston)

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