Albuquerque is once again stepping up to make sure local youths get fed even though school is out.
The city’s summer lunch program will begin distributing meals June 3. The effort will be expanded to parks on June 5 and to Albuquerque community centers on June 17. Meals will be served for one hour on a first-come, first-served basis.
Youth under the age of 18 are eligible to receive the meals, which will be distributed weekdays at more than 75 locations around the city.
“Having access to nutritious meals during the summer is so important to the success and well-being of our youth,” Mayor Tim Keller said. “With so many locations across Albuquerque, we’re aiming to make sure all families have what they need to stay healthy and engaged this summer.”
The program started in 1969 at a local community center.
Read about Bernalillo County’s lunch program here.
Story time
The city will also collaborate with Albuquerque Public Schools to provide Story Time in the Park — an an initiative that gives teachers the resources to read to children and their families at lunch sites.
Children who attend will receive a copy of the book that was read, along with an activity sheet/lesson plan of strategies and supports for reading at home.
“As a former teacher, I am so happy to collaborate with APS and have our meal-sites provide a space for teachers and students to continue sharing learning opportunities throughout the summer,” said Katarina Sandoval, director of the city’s Youth & Family Services department. “Reading is so important, and I hope our youth enjoy listening to the stories and being able to take home a new book.”
A full list of rules, sites, start dates and locations for Story Time in the Park is available at here.