Ohio County Schools officials want area youths to eat healthy this summer and are providing them free breakfast and lunch opportunities through its summer meal program.
The program continues through Friday at the following locations, and all children ages 2-18 are eligible to attend:
During the recent extended school year program in Ohio County, about 500 students attending summer classes at Madison Elementary School, Middle Creek Elementary and Wheeling Park High School also were served meals through the program, noted Ohio County Schools Superintendent Dianna Vargo.
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Ohio County Schools seeks to provide healthy meals to area youths.
During the month of June, the school district provided 3,379 breakfasts and 5,125 lunches, she said.
"These are walk-up sites," Vargo said. "The children don't need a form, and they don't need to sign up to participate. They also don't have to be on a free or reduced meal plan.
"We certainly want everyone to take advantage. These are healthy meals, and the program is for everyone."
She said the goal of school officials is to help students in making better nutritional decisions during the summer.
"At our Warwood location, the pool is right there and that is great," Vargo continued. "Even if they can't afford to buy chips and pop, they can come over and have a healthy lunch for free."
The lunches are similar to those served at local schools during the school year, she said. Recently, the summer lunch provided consisted of turkey, green beans, dressing, warm apples and milk.
For breakfast, the youths can choose from breakfast pizza, cereal, granola bars, juice, fruit or muffins.
"Yes, we're trying to help families who need help but also to provide healthy breakfasts and lunches for all families, as schools promote wellness throughout the entire year," Vargo said.
Ohio County Schools has received grants to administer the program, and remaining costs are paid for through funding provided by the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009 set aside for children's nutrition, she added.
