MOULTRIE — The Colquitt County School System will once again offer the Seamless Summer Feeding program. The dates of the program are June 2 through July 18, which will be three weeks longer than last year.

“Extending the program into July will allow for opportunity to feed children who otherwise might not receive adequate nutrition,” said School Nutrition Director Monika W. Griner.

More than 12 million low-income children across the country may go hungry this summer, and all because they do not know about a free food program available for kids, Griner said. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Summer Food Service Program provides nutritious meals to needy children during the summer.

“Only about one out of five children who are eligible for free and reduced price school meals during the school year will get the food they need this summer unless we do something to fill the gap. A large number of kids are not being fed nutritious foods on a consistent basis. This is a wonderful opportunity to help the children of Colquitt County,” Griner said.

The main site of the Colquitt County Seamless Summer Feeding program is at Willie J. Williams Middle School. Wayne Hendrixson, R. B. Wright cafeteria manager, is serving as the Summer Feeding Program manager and, along with other school nutrition employees, is responsible for providing meals to several different sites throughout Colquitt County.

Breakfast will be served from 8:30 until 9 a.m., and lunch is served from noon until 1 p.m. Children 18 years of age or younger can eat free regardless of financial situation, Griner said.

There is no registration and no charge for children’s meals. Adults who accompany children 18 years of age or younger can purchase a meal for $2.50.

“We anticipate providing meals for a large number of students during the months of June and July. Many children walk to our sites and participate in the program. We have church groups, community organizations, child care sites, etc. who bring children for the breakfast and lunch meals. We welcome the children of Colquitt County to come join us for a meal. Bring a friend! Feeding children is our business and as always we look forward to the opportunity of meeting that need,” Griner said.

For more information on Summer Feeding program sites, contact the School Nutrition Office at 890-6228.