SANTA CLARA, Calif. (KCBS)_ Federal stimulus funds are being used to feed more than 4,000 children from low-income families in the South Bay.
But not everyone looks forward to summer vacation. A lot of kids who depend on the school lunch program are left without meals during the summer.
County social services administrator Denise Boland says for many kids summer is a time of hunger and despair.
“Many of their parents may be struggling to make ends meet. We’re also able to serve moms and dads if they’re there,” said Boland.
Parents who drop off their children are welcome to eat breakfast with their kids, which is unusual for these types of programs.
“These are families that are telling us they don’t have enough money for food. They’re eating rice for the last two weeks of the month. One little boy came to me the other day and said, ‘coming to this program means I don’t have to worry anymore,’” said Boland.
The Boys and Girls Club, the YMCA, as well as a number of other organizations have teamed up to staff more than 40 feeding sights throughout the county.
Boland added that sadly they won’t expect to be able to provide summer lunches next year because the stimulus funding is a one-time deal.
