Over 5500 children in Edgecombe County receive free meals during the school year, but many of these children do not get enough to eat when school is out.
“For many kids, summertime means food, friends and fun. For families who count on school breakfast and lunch, however, the summer months can be stressful and family food budgets have to be stretched even further,” said Ruth McDowell, ECPS Child Nutrition Director. “During the summer, kids can lose out on several months of learning and physical activity that they would normally get at school. The Summer Food Service Program ensures that low-income children continue to grow and learn during the summer.”
“Our Board of Education and Superintendent recognize the need for the program in Edgecombe County,” added McDowell.
The Summer Food Service Program for Children is a federally funded program operated nationally by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and administered by a State Agency. Eligible sponsors such as non-profit organizations, schools and local governments serve nutritious meals and snacks free to low-income children during the summer months. Summer programs are located at approved sites that are either in low-income areas or serve a group of children, most of whom are low-income.
ECPS Schools offering summer feedings:
Bulluck Elementary - July 10 – August 8 - Breakfast 7:30 - 8:30 and lunch 11:30 - 12:30
Carver Elementary - June 10 - August 8 - Breakfast 7:30 - 8:30 and lunch 11:30 - 12:30
Coker-Wimberly Elementary - July 8 - July 31 - Breakfast 7:30 - 8:30 and lunch 11:30 - 12:30
Pattillo Middle School – June 10 – August 9 - Breakfast 7:30 – 8:30 and lunch 11:30 – 12:30
Stocks Elementary – June 10 – August 16 - Breakfast 7:30 – 8:30 and lunch 11:30 – 12:30
West Edgecombe Middle School - June 10 - August 15 - Breakfast 8:00 - 8:30 and lunch 11:30 - 12:30
Other offerings around the community include:
Jerry's Village June 10 - August 8 - Lunch 11:00 - 11:30
Mobile Home Estates June 10 - August 8 - Lunch 12:30 - 1:15
Pinehurst Homes - June 10 - August 8 - Lunch 11:30 - 11:45
United Manor Court - June 10 - August 8 - Lunch 11:00 - 11:20
Northgate Apartments - June 10 - August 8 - Lunch 11:50 - 12:20
Sites can be located most easily by texting: Food NC to 877-877. By replying with your zip code, GPS will find meal sites close by, and show addresses, hours, and a contact.
To find out about the Summer Food Service Program in Edgecombe County, contact Ruth McDowell at (252) 641-2636 or Sydra Pettaway at (252) 641-2680.