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DENTON — No Kid Hungry took a summer trip to Denton this week to learn more about Caroline County Public School system’s summer meal distribution and the use of fresh produce in our school cafeterias.
Superintendent Dr. Derek Simmons explained that CCPS has taken the initiative to ensure children in the county are fed and healthy even when school is not in session. This involves a mobile distribution model where the CCPS’ Food Services division hand delivers boxes of food to households in need, congregate meals where children can gather to share a free meal, and the processing of local produce over the summer so that nothing goes to waste.
At Lockerman Middle School on Wednesday, July 15, No Kid Hungry interviewed Dr. Simmons and two local students who benefit from these summer meal programs. The students shared their personal experiences with cafeteria offerings and summer meals, and how these initiatives have helped take one thing off their family’s plate during difficult times.
No Kid Hungry has been a longtime supporter of CCPS’ efforts to fill local children’s bellies. CCPS Food Services Supervisor Beth Brewster said their “over a decade” long partnership is vital to continuing to meet the need in Caroline. “For them to recognize us and all the things that we’re doing in Caroline County… [it] means a lot to us,” she said.
Diego Alonso, No Kid Hungry’s Senior Manager of Storytelling, said “I always say that I wish every district was like Caroline County…the food distribution model is how everybody should be. They do an amazing job making sure every kid in the county has access to delicious food.”
