Hey, everyone! I’m Sam Gilbert, the Youth Engagement and Communications Coordinator for Frankfort Independent Schools’ Summer Meals Program. Our program is well underway, and we are so excited to share all that we have done! At the halfway point (3 weeks), we’ve distributed 44,703 individual meals across all of our summer programs, and 38,920 individual meals through our weekly non-congregate meal distribution. This would not be possible without the tireless efforts of our summer meals staff and volunteers and support from the United States Depatrment of Agriculture’s Summer Food Service Program and No Kid Hungry.
Each child who receives a bag from our program is receiving 14 free meals with delicious foods ranging from asian bowls to locally grown cabbage. The fun doesn’t end inside the meal bag either. Each week, parents and children are sent fun activities that match the contents of their bags. These include recipes, coloring sheets, and learning resources that help enrich a child’s summer experience and foster creativity.
One of the coolest things about our program has been our commitment to providing students with locally sourced produce each and every week. We’ve been fortunate to partner with four farms this summer: Salad Days Farm (Versailles, KY), High Five Farm (Versailles, KY) Happy Jack’s Farm (Frankfort, KY), and Jane Julian Farm (Frankfort, KY). Through these partnerships, we’ve been able to put 10,788 servings of local produce in our meal bags in four weeks. Incorporating this Farm to School element to our Summer Meals Program is very impactful, and we are so thankful for the opportunity to engage our students with local agriculture.
The more than 2,780 bags we’ve distributed reflects the commitment that our district and Summer Meals Staff have to the children of Franklin County. Each week that a student receives a bag of meals means the threat of food insecurity is reduced. We are looking forward to continuing our commitment over the next few weeks and for many years to come!
