Summer program expands to feed more children
DYER COUNTY, Tenn — It’s playtime at Future City Recreation Center in Dyersburg, only minutes after organizers said some kids ate the only full meal they’ll have for the rest of the day. “Some kids…their parents can’t afford food,” said one of the program’s recipients, Lanautica Smith. “It takes a lot to feed kids during the summer,” Todameka Smiles, a parent said. That’s why some Dyer County families said the summer program is a necessity. Future City is one of more than two dozen sites throughout Dyer and Lake Counties where kids who receive free and reduced lunches at school receive a free meal through the federally funded program. “Eating lunch and breakfast here takes a burden off of parents,” Smiles said. Organizers said this year the program added five more sites and are feeding hundreds of more families; but there are some children who are still not being fed throughout the county; and next year, organizers said they hope to add more sites to feed even more families. The program runs until July 18, a week before the first day of school for Dyer County students.
