This past Spring, the seeds of a new initiative were planted. SCS worked to develop a Summer Food Lunch Program, which grew and evolved into what is now known as the Community Food Program. The Community Food Program is made up of several food programs that SCS operates. Under the Community Food umbrella is the Summer Food Lunch Program, as well as the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CFSP) for seniors, and the distribution of commodity foods to area food pantries and other local food programs. Additionally, there are food components to other SCS programs. Food and nutrition are a big part of both Head Start and WIC. Head Start serves breakfast and lunch to children each day, they do nutrition based activities with the children, and they share nutrition information, recipes, and activities with families. WIC offers families nutritional counseling along with monthly benefits. They too, provide participants with recipes and child-friendly cooking activities.
Rhonda Hull is the new Community Food Coordinator. Rhonda brings a wealth of experience to this new program. She has held various jobs in the food service industry, including time as a cook at the Keene Head Start center. Rhonda will work to oversee and coordinate our food efforts going forward. Rhonda was a tremendous help as we rolled out our first Summer Food Lunch Program! Over the course of eight weeks, SCS provided approximately 7000 free lunches to children! This was done in partnership with USDA, Department of Education, Keene School District, Keene Family YMCA, Keene Public Library, and the City of Keene Parks and Rec camp. We look forward to expanding and improving the program next summer.
SCS appreciates all the support we received as we launched the Summer Food Lunch Program. We are grateful for the continued support as we work to expand our Community Food Program efforts. Special thanks go to Lindy and SAU 29 Administration for the use of the kitchen and parking area at the Keene Middle School, and Tom from Monadnock School District, who was our food vendor for the Summer Food Lunch Program.
