Over 4500 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.
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.
Click the images on the right side of this page to view the summer feeding sites. Please note the days and times of service.
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.
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: [email protected]. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.