Humboldt meals program fights hunger during summer break
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HUMBOLDT, Tenn. — The Humboldt City School District will open the high school cafeteria doors twice a day Monday through Friday this summer to offer a free meal to any child under the age of 18. The district says it’s proud to help fight childhood hunger in Gibson County. “We have 90 percent free and reduced rates, so we do have a high percent that goes home and doesn’t get a good meal,” Food and Service Director for Humboldt City Schools Ginny Hatch told WBBJ Friday. “We can always tell after a break that they haven’t eaten a lot over the break.” So for the seventh straight year the district will serve free meals over summer break, twice a day from June 1 to July 24.
The school system says they’ll serve anywhere from 500 to 700 meals a day throughout the program. Those who will be serving said it’s special to be able to bring food to kids throughout the summer. “It’s special to be able to feed them, to know that they have the opportunity to have breakfast and lunch for at least two months, and we know that they won’t go hungry,” Humboldt High School cafeteria worker Teresa Marable said. Marable said the program is rewarding for everyone. “I think it’s a positive thing, and I look forward to it because I love dealing with kids,” Marable said. “Some days you don’t know what they go through at home, so I think with our smiles and spirit it uplifts them.” “When you see these kids lined up at the door at 7 a.m. and they’ve ridden their bikes from all over town, it makes you feel good that you’re feeding them a good breakfast,” Hatch said. The school system said the meals are provided through a USDA grant, costing nothing to the system or the city. Kids don’t have to go to school or even live in Humboldt to receive a free lunch. Those over 18 also can eat for $2 a meal. Breakfast is served at 7 a.m. and lunch at 11 a.m. at Humboldt High School.
