| Releases
& Statements
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 11, 2007
Contact: John Collins
(212) 669-4193; (917) 496-4587
Release #: 033-2007
Public
Advocate Gotbaum Releases Guide to Summer Meals for New York City
Children
Public
Advocate, NYC Coalition Against Hunger highlight list of Summer
Meals Sites
MANHATTAN -- Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum today released a guide
of Summer Meals Program sites where thousands of hungry NY kids
can get free meals this summer. The Public Advocate’s Guide
is an easy-to-use reference to the Summer Meals Program in New
York City and includes a list of sites across the City that are
open to all children.
According to a 2007 report from the NYC Coalition Against Hunger,
there are more than 400,000 children living in food-insecure homes
in New York City. One in every five children in New York City
does not have consistent access to the nutrition they need to
lead a healthy life.
Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum said, "Hunger does
not take a break for summer vacation. During the school year,
kids can get free or low-cost meals at school. But in the summer,
many New York kids go hungry. That’s why I am releasing
this guide to Summer Meals Program Sites, which gives the neediest
families another option for feeding their children."
Director of Programs and National Service for the New York City
Coalition Against Hunger JC Dwyer said, "We thank Public
Advocate Gotbaum for highlighting this vital program. New research
tells us children actually gain more weight in the summer, especially
when school meals are no longer available and nutritious options
are hard to come by. That's why it is so important they access
these special summer meals.”
The Summer Meals Program is a federally-funded program that provides
children under the age of 19 with nutritious meals and snacks
when they are on summer break from school. Because the Summer
Meals Program is run by dozens of local entities throughout the
city, NY kids should be able to find a nearby, convenient site
with this comprehensive list.
The Public Advocate's list contains over 500 sites scheduled to
open in city neighborhoods. But 138 of these sites close before
the end of the summer, short-changing families and kids many neighborhoods.
Public Advocate Gotbaum will call for these sites to remain open
until August 31st.
Click here for a list of Summer Meals Program sites.
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