Safe Summer and Kids Camp Sites Offer Day, Evening Meal Programs

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Prince George’s County Park and Recreation is offering two meal programs this summer for county kids and teens. Held at various day camp sites and playgrounds, the Summer Food Service Program is offered by the Prince George’s County Social Services and Board of Education Food Services, according to Katrina Meadows, Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission Summer Food Program Coordinator for Summer Playgrounds. Also, at various evening meal sites and Safe Summer locations a new evening food program was introduced this year. These programs were made possible by a $35,000 grant from the National Parks and Recreation Association and Walmart, said Hernan Padilla, Program Superintendent in the Special Programs Division. With meal program locations at area elementary schools, community centers and high schools for teens, organizers and benefactors hope to promote nutrition at day camp and safe summer locations throughout the county. The MNCPPC will expand feeding programs to more than 8,000 county youth through this program in partnership with the Capital Area Food Bank, Padilla said. The Capital Area Food Bank partnered with local catering companies to deliver complete, fresh and most importantly, nutritious meals to each location. Also, in June, July and August, teens participating in all the fun Safe Summer activities at selected locations will receive dinner at the start of the night. The program is even extending into the school year, Padilla said. Kids in the Kids Care after school program, at 12 sites, will receive dinner, nutritional classes and recreational programs for the 2012-2013 school year. With an increased focus on fresh, nutritious food, and keeping the focus on Prince George’s County kids (and fun) the day and evening food programs are expected to be a continued success for MNCPPC.