Baltimore, MD (May 14, 2008) - Mayor Sheila Dixon and Housing Commissioner Paul Graziano joined elected officials and community groups to kick-off the 2008 Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), which is administered by Baltimore Housing’s Office of Community Services.  The program will officially start on June 16th and will run though August 15, 2008. Children ages 18 and under will receive a nutritional breakfast and lunch five days a week during the summer months when schools are closed. 
 
Good nutrition is essential to a child’s growth and development. Thousands of low-income children in Baltimore rely on the meals provided at school to get the nutrition they require to learn and grow. When schools close for the summer, children miss out on free or reduced-price school breakfast and lunch. However, through the SFSP, underprivileged children can continue to receive nutritious meals while on break.
 
“When the school year is over, many of our children still need access to healthy food,” said Mayor Sheila Dixon. “Baltimore’s Summer Food Program exists to meet the needs of our most precious jewels.  Thanks to the program, they can have an active summer, and return to school in the fall ready to learn.”
 
This year, we expect 500 community organizations including churches, recreational centers and school programs throughout the City to join the cause by becoming feeding sites. The meals, which are provided at no cost to the children, are freshly prepared and delivered daily by Martin’s Caterers Inc. to the sites.   The Maryland State Department of Education's (MSDE) School and Community Nutrition Program, a branch of the U.S. Department of Agriculture provides funding for the SFSP.
 
This year the city approved over $2.7 million in funding to provide breakfast and lunch to our underprivileged children.  Last year more than 700,000 meals were served by the end of the year.   This is the fourth year in which Baltimore Housing has sponsored the program.
 
"Unfortunately hunger does not take a summer vacation”, said Housing Commissioner Paul Graziano. “Given the growing economic crisis our community is facing, Baltimore Housing is proudto sponsor the Summer Food Service Program. This much needed resource will help nourish the minds and bodies of our children.
 
For more information you may visit www.baltimorehousing.org/food.