By Staff Reports
(Wailuku) – Summer is here again and the County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation- PALS Program is working to make sure that none of our keiki go hungry when school is out. The county wants to let low-income families know that their children can continue to receive nutritious meals if they take part in the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP).
The Summer Food Service Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is the largest federal resource available for local programs that combine mealtime with recreational and educational activities.
The Department of Parks and Recreation- PALS Program recognizes the need for the program in the County of Maui. County-wide, only 10 percent of the 11,000 children who qualify for summer meals have access to local Summer Food Sites. Last year there were 14 sites across the county, which participated in feeding over 1525 children. This year the PALS program has 19 sites serving over 2047 children on Maui, Molokai, and Lanai.
Aunty Ti of the PALS Program explains, “Our responsibility to children doesn’t end when school lets out. Children who get enough to eat and have safe activities to participate in during the summer are less likely to get into trouble. Our summer meals program is a building block in the community for healthy, happy children who are ready to learn.”
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 more information about the Summer Food Service Program please contact PALS staff at 270-7404.
Statement of Non-Discrimination: In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 or (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.