Chicago Department of Children and Youth Services Launches 2008 Summer Nutrition Program

Business Wire,  June 24, 2008  

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Program to provide free meals to Chicago's youth this summer

CHICAGO -- The Chicago Department of Children and Youth Services together with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Nutrition Services, the Illinois State Board of Education, the Chicago Housing Authority, Chicago Public Schools, the Chicago Park District, Food Service Professionals and the Illinois Hunger Coalition has launched the 2008 Summer Nutrition Program which provides free meals to Chicago's disadvantaged youth now through August 28, at 197 locations around the city. Through this initiative, every young person up to age 18, in the city of Chicago is eligible for a free nutritional meal. The program supplements the school meal service which provides economically disadvantaged youth with free or price-reduced meals during the school year.

"Proper nutrition is critical to the overall health and development of our young people," said Commissioner Mary Ellen Caron of the Chicago Department of Children and Youth Services. "The Summer Nutrition Program allows us to continue to provide Chicago youth with the same nutritional meals they receive during the school year and provide our families with the resources they need to ensure no child goes hungry this summer."

Summer Nutrition Program provides breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks for youth, though meal options vary by site. This summer, it is expected that over 700,000 meals will be served to young people through a network of Summer Nutrition Program delegate agencies, such as CHA development sites, day camps, parks, community and faith-based organizations. All meals meet USDA nutrition guidelines. Individuals interested in learning about locations and times of participating Summer Nutrition Program sites and times, may call 311 or visit www.cityofchicago.org/cys.

Organizations interested in becoming a Summer Nutrition Program site can apply through the Chicago Department of Children and Youth Services' Web site at www.cityofchicago.org/cys or in person at the King Center location, 4314 S. Cottage Grove.

The Chicago Department of Children and Youth Services administers federal, state and city funds to more than 300 organizations citywide that provide various programs and services for children and youth from infancy to age 18. CYS is dedicated to meeting the needs of Chicago's youngest citizens. Chicago was recently recognized as one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People by America's Promise Alliance. For more information about Chicago Department of Children and Youth Services or the Summer Nutrition Program, visit www.cityofchicago.org/cys or call 312.743.0300.

City of Chicago

Richard M. Daley, Mayor

Mary Ellen Caron, Commissioner of the Department of Children and Youth Services

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